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A mass cull of more than 100,000 birds is to take place following an outbreak of avian flu in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\nA mass cull of more than 100,000 birds is to take place following an outbreak of avian flu in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been found in a poultry flock in Clough, Co Down.<\/p>\n
Approximately 80,000 birds will be culled at the location, the department said.<\/p>\n
A second suspected case is under investigation at a commercial holding in Lisburn, where approximately 31,000 birds will be culled.<\/p>\n
Chief veterinary officer Dr Robery Huey has said it is the first ever HPAI incursion in a poultry flock in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
He said the outbreak \u201chas the potential to have a devastating effect on the industry\u201d.<\/p>\n
Confirming the finding, Dr Huey said: \u201cAt the weekend, disease control measures were put in place at a holding in the Clough area, after initial results from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) suggested the presence of notifiable Avian Influenza (AI) in a commercial flock.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe National Reference Laboratory has now confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, subtype H5N8 has been detected.\u201d<\/p>\n
The department initiated disease control measures at the premises following the initial findings at the weekend and said the birds will be humanely culled on Thursday.<\/p>\n
In addition, two linked holdings have been identified as high-risk contacts and, as a precautionary measure, will be included in the depopulation.<\/p>\n
An epidemiological investigation is under way to determine the likely source of infection and determine the risk of disease spread.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, a further suspected case of notifiable avian influenza is being investigated at separate commercial premises near Lisburn, County Antrim.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the second suspected case, Dr Huey said: \u201cI have also initiated disease control measures in a holding near Lisburn, Co Antrim, after initial laboratory results from AFBI indicated the presence of notifiable avian influenza in second, separate commercial holding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese measures include the humane culling of the affected birds (approximately 31,000) and the introduction of temporary control zones (3km and 10km) to mitigate for onward disease spread.<\/p>\n
\u201cSamples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to determine pathogenicity and strain of the disease and we await those results.\u201d<\/p>\n
To date, there have been eight positive cases of the HPAI strain confirmed in wild birds in Northern Ireland, across five different locations.<\/p>\n
There have also been recent detections in wild birds, poultry and captive birds across Great Britain and in the Republic.<\/p>\n
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across the North from December 1st to further enhance biosecurity measures, the department said.<\/p>\n
A mandatory housing order has been in place since December 23rd.<\/p>\n
Dr Huey said: \u201cThis confirmation of notifiable HPAI within poultry flocks here has the potential to have a devastating effect on the industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is vital that all the necessary steps are taken to prevent the further spread of this disease in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll poultry keepers must urgently take action now to keep their birds safe and reduce the risk over the higher risk winter period.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am urging everyone to critically review and improve where necessary, their biosecurity arrangements, remaining alert for any signs of disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are concerned about the health of your birds in any way please report it to DAERA immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n