Disease Control Zones introduced as another case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) confirmed in County Fermanagh

A further case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in a small, mixed species, backyard flock in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Northern Ireland Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Robert Huey said: “Unfortunately we have confirmed another incursion of HPAI H5N1 in a small, mixed species, backyard flock in Enniskillen.  As a precautionary measure, on 4 February, following initial laboratory results, I took the decision to introduce appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of the affected birds and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZs), to mitigate for onward disease spread. Following the confirmation of HPAI H5N1 from the National Reference Laboratory today, these TCZs have now been revoked and a 3 km Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 km Surveillance Zone (SZ) established around the infected premises.

“Although this is extremely disappointing it is not unexpected.  It is a timely reminder that bird flu is still present in the environment and we must continue to be vigilant.  We cannot afford to get complacent.  This strain will use any gaps in biosecurity to gain access to a flock.” 

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said: “I am calling on all bird keepers, particularly those with small backyard flocks, to review their biosecurity practices.  Excellent biosecurity remains the most effective defence for reducing transmission of avian influenza to poultry or captive birds and it is vitally important that all bird keepers adhere to the strict enhanced biosecurity measures of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) which remains in place in Northern Ireland.  As part of the measures of the AIPZ, bird keepers legally must keep their birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds, we cannot afford to be complacent so I would urge everyone to take all measures necessary.”

If you are a backyard flock keeper, tips on improving your biosecurity are available on the DAERA website. DAERA would also like to remind bird keepers that ALL birds are legally required to be registered unless they are kept inside your home.You can do this at on the DAERA website.

Notes to editors: 

1. Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must, by law, report it to their local DAERA Direct Office.
2. The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has also advised, in avian influenza incursions of this type, that there is a very low risk to public health from the consumption of properly cooked poultry meat or eggs provided appropriate hygiene measures are followed.
3. Any premises within the declared zones must adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, recording movements on/off holdings and are required to seek licensing for any movement of poultry or poultry related products into or out of the zone.  General Licences are available for certain moves on the DAERA website.
4. Certain moves are only permitted under a specific licence issued by the Department which must be applied for at least 48 hours in advance. Application forms are available on the DAERA website.
5. For general enquiries, the movement licencing centre can be contacted at the following email MLC@daera-ni.gov.uk
6. DAERA also encourages sign up to the text alert service simply by texting 'BIRDS' to 67300.  This will allow you to receive immediate notification of any important disease information, allowing you to protect your flocks at the earliest opportunity.
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8. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office.
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 811

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