Poultry farmers and backyard keepers have been urged to continue to have strict biosecurity measures in place, following confirmation of a new case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) in Northern Ireland.
“It is vital in response to the outbreak in County Fermanagh, that maximum biosecurity measures remain. This is essential to protect individual businesses and the entire industry,” said Ronnie Wells, poultry chairman of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). “All birds should now be permanently housed including backyard flocks, in line with DAERA advice.”
If producers suspect disease, they should contact their vet or local divisional veterinary office immediately.
Wells stressed that the registration of all birds with DAERA is the key to controlling the disease. “I cannot stress enough how important this is. This is particularly so for backyard bird keepers, regardless of how many birds they have. This is a concerning situation for a key industry in Northern Ireland and compliance with the rules by everyone, be they commercial or hobby keepers, is the only way to combat the spread of the disease,” said Wells.
To register your flock, visit the following link, https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bird-registration-form.