A mass cull of greater than 100,000 birds is to happen following an outbreak of avian flu in Northern Eire.
he Division of Agriculture has confirmed {that a} pressure of Extremely Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been present in a poultry flock in Clough, Co Down.
Roughly 80,000 birds will probably be culled on the location, the division mentioned.
A second suspected case is underneath investigation at a industrial holding in Lisburn, the place roughly 31,000 birds will probably be culled.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Robery Huey has mentioned it’s the first ever HPAI incursion in a poultry flock in Northern Eire.
He mentioned the outbreak “has the potential to have a devastating impact on the trade”.
Confirming the discovering, Dr Huey mentioned: “On the weekend, illness management measures have been put in place at a holding within the Clough space, after preliminary outcomes from the Agri-Meals and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) recommended the presence of notifiable Avian Influenza (AI) in a industrial flock.
“The Nationwide Reference Laboratory has now confirmed that Extremely Pathogenic Avian Influenza, subtype H5N8 has been detected.”
The division initiated illness management measures on the premises following the preliminary findings on the weekend and mentioned the birds will probably be humanely culled on Thursday.
As well as, two linked holdings have been recognized as high-risk contacts and, as a precautionary measure, will probably be included within the depopulation.
Northern Eire’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Robert Huey, has warned the outbreak might doubtlessly devastate the trade (Liam McBurney/PA)
PA
An epidemiological investigation is underneath approach to decide the doubtless supply of an infection and decide the danger of illness unfold.
In the meantime, an additional suspected case of notifiable avian influenza is being investigated at separate industrial premises close to Lisburn, County Antrim.
Talking concerning the second suspected case, Dr Huey mentioned: “I’ve additionally initiated illness management measures in a holding close to Lisburn, Co Antrim, after preliminary laboratory outcomes from AFBI indicated the presence of notifiable avian influenza in second, separate industrial holding.
“These measures embrace the humane culling of the affected birds (approx 31,000) and the introduction of non permanent management zones (3km and 10km) to mitigate for onward illness unfold.
“Samples have been despatched to the Nationwide Reference Laboratory to find out pathogenicity and pressure of the illness and we await these outcomes.”
So far, there have been eight optimistic circumstances of the HPAI pressure confirmed in wild birds in Northern Eire, throughout 5 completely different areas.
All poultry keepers should urgently take motion now to maintain their birds secure and scale back the danger over the upper threat winter interval.Dr Robert Huey
There have additionally been current detections in wild birds, poultry and captive birds throughout Nice Britain and within the Republic of Eire.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place throughout Northern Eire from December 1 to additional improve biosecurity measures, the division mentioned.
A compulsory housing order has been in place since December 23.
Dr Huey mentioned: “This affirmation of notifiable HPAI inside poultry flocks right here has the potential to have a devastating impact on the trade.
“It’s important that each one the required steps are taken to forestall the additional unfold of this illness in Northern Eire.
“All poultry keepers should urgently take motion now to maintain their birds secure and scale back the danger over the upper threat winter interval.
“I’m urging everybody to critically assessment and enhance the place vital, their biosecurity preparations, remaining alert for any indicators of illness.
“If you’re involved concerning the well being of your birds in any approach please report it to DAERA instantly.”
PA
