Bird flu clampdown around Co Derry nature reserve

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Preliminary findings of bird flu have caused the introduction of a captive bird temporary control zone (CBTCZ) in Co Derry.

The North's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said the 3km zone around a nature reserve in Magherafelt followed results of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a “small number of captive birds”.

The premises is now closed to the public and the chief veterinary officer has put in place a range of immediate restrictions around the site, including the culling of the remaining captive birds.

The CBTCZ places restrictions on all poultry and captive bird keepers within the 3km area around the affected premises.

Investigators are trying to determine the likely source of the infection and will also conduct surveillance on poultry and other premises within the zone.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the preliminary findings of the avian flu were “very disheartening”.

He added: “No captive bird site or poultry premises is immune from a potential incursion of this terrible disease, and it is of paramount importance that all bird keepers take appropriate action now to review and enhance their biosecurity measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

Chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland Brian Dooher said that if avian influenza entered Northern Ireland’s commercial flock, it would have a “significant and devastating impact” on the poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.

He said: “I would urge all flock keepers, in line with the requirements of the avian influenza prevention zone in place across Northern Ireland, to take action to review and, where necessary, improve biosecurity in order to prevent further incursion of the disease.”