The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed today (Sunday, February 23) that it is investigating a further suspected case of bird flu in a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone.
DAERA said that preliminary test results indicated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
As a result of the initial positive findings nearly 16,000 birds will be culled at the commercial poultry premises.
Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) have also been established following the preliminary test results by Brian Dooher, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland.
DAERA said these measures were actioned by the CVO “after assessing several factors including observed clinical signs and preliminary test results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute”.
No movement of birds and or other mammals to, from and or around the control zone is permitted unless the movement is licensed by an inspector;
Bird flu
Dooher added: “The current disease control measures have been introduced to limit any potential spread of the disease.
“I urge all bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, to maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have implemented to control this devastating disease.
Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, today also warned that no one can be “complacent” when it comes the threat posed by bird flu.
“This suspected incursion following the recently confirmed case in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, reinforces that we cannot afford to be complacent.
“It is imperative that all bird owners adhere to stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flock and report any suspicious cases immediately,” Minister Muir added.
The latest suspected case follows confirmation last Friday (February 21) that bird flu was present in a commercial poultry premises near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.
The confirmation came after the official laboratory results from the national reference laboratory at Weybridge in England were published.
DAERA had also previously confirmed the presence of a case of avian influenza in a captive bird premises near Magherafelt, Co. Derry.
According to the CVO, the suspected signs of an outbreak were detected on February 3 and a captive bird temporary control zone was applied around the holding on February 7.
