Bird flu confirmed in poultry flock in Fermanagh

Birds in a poultry flock near Lisnaskea, Co Fermangh, have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland has established a temporary control zone (TCZ) around the poultry premises.

Chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland Brian Dooher made the decision to introduce the zone based on a number of factors, including the clinical signs and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

The zone comprises a 3km TCZ-A and a 10km TCZ-B.

It is the second case of bird flu in a commercial flock in Northern Ireland in as many days.

A TCZ has also been established around a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone, following preliminary positive results for highly pathogenic bird flu.

Prevention zone

On 1 November, an avian influenza prevention zone was introduced in Northern Ireland.

This zone places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in Northern Ireland to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard or hobby flock.

There is currently no requirement for poultry to be housed and bird gatherings are not prohibited at this stage, but this will be kept under constant review, DAERA said.