Warning issued to poultry farmers and pet bird keepers following Avian Influenza confirmations in Kent and Cheshire
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots and Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert Huey have urged all poultry and pet bird keepers to take action now to reduce the risk of birds contracting Avian Influenza over winter.
The warning follows confirmation of Avian Influenza H5N8 at a commercial holding in Cheshire and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI H5N2) at a small holding in Kent.
Minister Poots said: “Northern Ireland is currently free of Avian Influenza but these current cases being confirmed in Cheshire and Kent are timely reminders that it is a constant threat.
“As we are now entering the high risk period for the disease due to the winter wild bird migrating season, it is vitally important that all keepers of poultry, including game birds and pet birds, take action now to carefully consider and improve biosecurity to reduce the risk of transmission of disease to their flocks.
“If Avian Influenza were to enter any flock, including backyard or hobby flocks, it would have a devastating effect on the poultry industry and would significantly impact international trade.”
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Robert Huey, said: “Following the confirmations of Avian Influenza H5N8 in Cheshire and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 in Kent, I would urge all poultry keepers to take action now to keep your birds safe and reduce the risk of disease over the high risk winter period.
“Please continue to adopt good biosecurity measures on your premises and review business continuity plans. Remain alert for any signs of disease. Should you suspect disease in your birds please report it immediately to your local DAERA Direct Office on 0300 200 7840.
“I would like remind all bird keepers of the need to register your flocks.
“This enables the Department to contact you in the event of an outbreak of avian disease, giving you the earliest opportunity to protect your flocks.
“I would also encourage bird keepers to subscribe to the Avian Influenza text service by simply texting ‘BIRDS’ to 67300. Subscribing means you will receive any important disease information immediately.”
The Department is encouraging all poultry keepers to remain vigilant as we enter this high risk period. Critically review your biosecurity arrangements and become familiar with the signs and symptoms of the disease, which can be found on the DAERA webpage at:
Avian Influenza Clinical Signs
