A 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone is in place around a pullet-rearing poultry operation outside Clough in Co. Antrim following a suspect outbreak of a notifiable strain of avian influenza (bird flu).

The Department was alerted to the issue on New Year’s Eve, with test results analysed by AFBI suggesting it was a notifiable strain of the disease. As a result, DAERA ordered culling of around 30,000 birds at the site.

A second case came to light on Wednesday, after initial test results suggested that a flock near Lisburn had the disease. The site is also being depopulated, and control zones put in place. It will take a few days to confirm the actual strain of Avian Influenza (AI) involved.

Last month, NI chief vet Robert Huey warned that an outbreak of bird flu was “almost inevitable” in NI this year given that eight positive cases of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of the disease had already been found in wild birds. A compulsory housing order came into effect in NI on 23 December.

“This reminds us all of how critically important it is to be vigilant and take all necessary steps required to prevent the further spread of Avian Influenza in NI. I urge all bird keepers to critically review their biosecurity measures,” said Huey.

The Temporary Control Zones put in place around an outbreak set out a list of measures that must be taken by poultry units in the area to prevent disease spread. Any poultry, eggs or poultry litter can generally only move from the zone under licence issued by a DAERA veterinary inspector. Stricter rules apply to those in the 3km zone, including that any poultry going for normal processing are slaughtered separately from other birds, and resultant product is marked as coming from a protection zone.

A poultry keeper who suspects Avian Influenza must by law, report it to their local DAERA Direct office. Where poultry keepers are required to cull birds, compensation is payable at market value.

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