22/11/2021
Avian Flu Cases Confirmed At Commercial Holding In Co Monaghan
The first cases of H5N1 Avian flu have been confirmed in samples from a commercial housed turkey flock in County Monaghan.
Disease control restriction zones have been put in place around the infected premises and the uthorities have announced the introduction of a housing order across Republic of Ireland whereby all poultry and captive birds must now be kept in secure housing or otherwise separate from wild birds.
Agricultural Minister Edwin Poots said: "While there have been no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland during this current outbreak my officials have thoroughly investigated and negated six suspect cases. It is therefore imperative that the poultry industry, and indeed all bird keepers in Northern Ireland, take all possible measures to ensure our national flock is protected from this dreadful disease.
"I took the decision to introduce an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Northern Ireland on 17 November. This places a legal requirement on all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks, just a few birds in a backyard or a hobby flock.
"The recent positive findings of H5N1 across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland would suggest that the disease is already present in Northern Ireland and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease."
Disease control restriction zones have been put in place around the infected premises and the uthorities have announced the introduction of a housing order across Republic of Ireland whereby all poultry and captive birds must now be kept in secure housing or otherwise separate from wild birds.
Agricultural Minister Edwin Poots said: "While there have been no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland during this current outbreak my officials have thoroughly investigated and negated six suspect cases. It is therefore imperative that the poultry industry, and indeed all bird keepers in Northern Ireland, take all possible measures to ensure our national flock is protected from this dreadful disease.
"I took the decision to introduce an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Northern Ireland on 17 November. This places a legal requirement on all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks, just a few birds in a backyard or a hobby flock.
"The recent positive findings of H5N1 across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland would suggest that the disease is already present in Northern Ireland and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.