There have been no new cases of bird flu on poultry units in NI for almost three months, a DAERA spokesperson has confirmed.

In total, 15 cases of the low pathogenic H6N1 strain of avian influenza have been detected in NI this year. The disease was also found on poultry units in the Republic of Ireland.

It is also not a legal requirement to de-populate units that are infected with non-notifiable bird flu

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson said that the last case of H6N1 was confirmed in NI on 22 March and no suspected cases are currently under investigation.

The H6N1 strain of bird flu is non-notifiable, which means the outbreaks did not affect exports from the NI poultry sector.

It is also not a legal requirement to de-populate units that are infected with non-notifiable bird flu.

However, the H6N1 strain significantly affects production levels and substantial culls had to take place on infected poultry units in NI during the first quarter of the year.

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