Approximately 64,000 birds are currently undergoing culling in Northern Ireland following a suspected case of bird flu at a commercial poultry farm.
Northern Ireland‘s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was alerted to the situation on Friday.
As a precautionary measure, all birds at the farm in Dungannon, County Tyrone, will be culled, according to Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher.
A temporary control zone (TCZ) has been established, and samples from the farm have been dispatched for testing.
If the results confirm the case as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as avian or bird flu, additional protective measures will be implemented.
Mr. Dooher emphasized, «The disease control measures have been implemented to contain any potential disease spread, and I urge all bird owners – both backyard and commercial – to take necessary precautions to safeguard their flock.»
Andrew Muir, Stormont’s minister of agriculture, environment, and rural affairs, remarked, «This suspected HPAI incursion, following the recently confirmed case at a captive bird premises near Magherafelt, underscores the importance of not becoming complacent.»
«It is imperative that all bird owners – from backyard enthusiasts to commercial flock owners with extensive bird populations – adhere to biosecurity protocols to protect their flocks and promptly report any suspected cases to the department.»
Several cases of HPAI in wild birds have already been confirmed across Northern Ireland.
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A legal mandate has been in effect in Northern Ireland since January 18, requiring all bird keepers – including farmers and pet owners – to comply with stringent biosecurity measures.
Furthermore, a nationwide directive making it obligatory for all kept birds and poultry to be confined indoors or separated from wild birds will take effect shortly after midnight.