Disease controls imposed as suspected bird flu case flagged in Omagh

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Disease control measures have been put in place as a suspected case of bird flu has been flagged in Omagh, Co Tyrone.

“Humane culling” of all birds on the site of the potential outbreak and the introduction of temporary control zones have been advised by the chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) minister Andrew Muir said the potential case of notifiable highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was reported on Tuesday at a commercial poultry premises.

Disease control measures have been initiated by DAERA following a suspect case of notifiable highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh.

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“The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of temporary control zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread,” he said.

Dooher said the controlled zone and culling on the site were “crucial to limit any potential spread of disease”.

“I appeal to all bird owners – backyard and commercial – to take all necessary steps to protect your flock,” he said.

“This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to Daera immediately.

“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).”

The avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) for the whole of Northern Ireland remains in place, which means it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds.

As part of the prevention zones, bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures to mitigate against disease incursion.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry is also in force.

The Public Health Agency has confirmed avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.