Suspected bird flu case on poultry farm in Tyrone

A suspected case of notifiable highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in a commercial poultry premises near Omagh, Co Tyrone.

As a result, disease control measures have been initiated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland (NI) Brian Dooher has made the decision based on a number of factors, including the clinical signs and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

NI Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir confirmed: “A suspect case of notifiable avian influenza was reported on Tuesday 3 March and initial results suggest the presence of HPAI.

"The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of temporary control zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.”

CVO Brian Dooher stated: “Samples from the infected premises have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to confirm strain and pathogenicity.

"Should highly pathogenic avian influenza be officially confirmed, these TCZs will be revoked and replaced with a three-kilometre protection zone and 10-kilometre surveillance zone.”

The avian influenza prevention zone for the whole of NI remains in place, which means it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds.

As part of the zone, bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures in order to mitigate against disease incursion.

A ban on the gatherings of poultry, galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl) and anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) is also in force.