Two more commercial cases of avian influenza (bird flu) involving 36,000 birds are strongly suspected in Northern Ireland.
Approximately 14,000 birds in a poultry flock have been affected near Markethill, Co. Armagh and 22,000 birds in a duck flock in Coagh, Co. Tyrone.
Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Robert Heuy commented about the two new suspected cases and said: “Unfortunately, notifiable avian influenza is strongly suspected in two further commercial flocks in Northern Ireland.
“This is now not only the largest every outbreak of HPAI in the UK, but also in Northern Ireland, and we must do all we can to protect our flocks, protect our businesses and protect the economy.”
Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) have been put in place, however these will be removed and replace with 3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones if the HPAI strain is confirmed.
Dr Hey urged flock keepers to reassess all of their biosecurity measures immediately and urged farmers not to wait and do it today.
He added: “Are they stringent enough? Are you reviewing them every day? What else can you do to prevent an incursion?”
LSL News.