Bird flu housing order comes into force in Northern Ireland

Mandatory housing measures for all kept birds and poultry came into force at 00:01 Monday 17th February across Northern Ireland after a suspect case of notifiable avian influenza was reported on Friday. A number of confirmed cases of HPAI have also been confirmed in wild birds in Northern Ireland.

In a statement, the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir said: “A suspect case of notifiable avian influenza was reported on Friday 14th February and initial results suggested the presence of notifiable HPAI. Following further investigation, the CVO has taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on site (64,000) and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.

“This suspected incursion of HPAI, following the recently confirmed case at a captive bird premises near Magherafelt, further shows we cannot afford to be complacent. It is crucial that all bird owners – from backyard hobbyists to commercial flock keepers with thousands of birds – adhere to all biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and report any suspect cases to the Department as soon as possible.”

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place in NI since 18th January and the housing order that has now come into place legally requires all bird keepers, including owners of pet birds, backyard and hobby flocks, as well as commercial flocks, to keep birds indoors.

Chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland Brian Dooher commented: “The disease control measures have been taken to limit any potential spread of disease and I appeal to all bird owners – backyard and commercial – to take all necessary steps to protect your flock. This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and adhering to all the requirements mandated under the AIPZ.

“Samples from the infected premises have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to confirm strain and pathogenicity. Should HPAI be officially confirmed, these TCZs will be revoked and replaced with a three kilometre Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 kilometre Surveillance Zone (SZ).”

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry will be implemented in conjunction with the Housing Order. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) in Ireland has implemented similar measures that also took effect at 00:01 Monday 17th February.