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The NI poultry sector is on high alert as suspected cases of avian influenza are investigated in counties Fermanagh and Tyrone.
There have been three confirmed cases of the low pathogenic H6N1 strain of bird flu so far, and DAERA officials are currently investigating a further five cases.
“Restrictions are in place at the affected sites while we await the final confirmation of laboratory results,” a DAERA spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Test results from several other poultry units have concluded that bird flu was not present, and restrictions have been lifted from these sites.
The H6N1 strain of avian influenza is non-notifiable, which means the outbreaks have not affected 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, especially in laying hens, and substantial culls have taken place on NI poultry units in recent weeks.
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