The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in a wild goose in Co. Tyrone.
DAERA has said that this is the first positive confirmation of the virus in a wild bird in Northern Ireland since September 2023.
It was found in a wild goose near Black Lough, Dungannon in Co Tyrone.
DAERA has advised that the best defence for reducing the risk of transmission of bird flu is “excellent biosecurity” and has a checklist available on its website for farmers to consult.
The public have also been advised to not handle any sick or dead wild birds.
Bird flu
It is the second confirmed case of bird flu on the island this month.
A case was also recorded in the Republic of Ireland at the start of this year with a wild buzzard in Co. Dublin confirmed to have been infected. A wild buzzard was also found to have the disease in Galway in December 2024.
In the Republic if a case is recorded on a farm a protection zone of 3km and surveillance zone of 10km are established around the affected area, and all poultry on the premises are humanely culled, and all products destroyed.
Speaking on Agriland’s AgriFocus, Superintending veterinary inspector, Audrey Jenkinson from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has also said that ensuring good biosecurity procedures is the best way to reduce the possibility of infection.
DAFM has advised that poultry workers should wear dedicated clothing and farms should aim to reduce visitors to essential people only.
It also advised to have disinfection points set up, and store bedding away from access to wild birds in order to help reduce the chance of spreading infection.
One of the most important biosecurity measures is to prevent contact between wild birds and poultry or captive birds
