03/02/2017

First Case Of Bird Flu Found In Swan In NI

The first case of bird flu has been found in a dead swan in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.

The wild swan was found by a member of the public near Lough Beg in Co L'Derry and it tested positive for the H5N8 avian influenza.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey, said: "This finding is not unexpected and follows calls for bird keepers to be more vigilant for signs of the disease. It is possible that more cases will be confirmed.

"This finding serves to remind us all of the risk of infection. The Prevention Zone and temporary suspension on gatherings of poultry remain in place. It is also important that bird keepers in Northern Ireland remain vigilant and where necessary improve their biosecurity. Even when birds are housed there is still a risk of infection and biosecurity should not be compromised. Clothing and equipment should be disinfected, the movement of poultry should be reduced and contact between poultry and wild birds should be minimised."

(CD/LM)

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