07/04/2006
Dead swans did not have bird flu
UPDATE: The results of tests carried out on a number of swans, which were found dead yesterday have turned out to be negative, the Department of Agriculture has announced.
The remains of the birds were found on the River Bann near Portglenone and others were found near Randalstown in County Antrim.
Northern Ireland's chief vet, Bert Houston had said that "routine tests" were being carried out on the birds, however he added that tests carried out on other swans recently showed up negative for the H5N1 virus.
Mr Houston had eraier said that if the virus was found in Northern Ireland, the government had plans in place to deal with an outbreak.
He said: "It will involve us setting up a series of command structures, getting a local exotic disease centre placed on the ground, we will put in 3km protection zones, 10km surveillance zones and apply all the control measures required by the European Commission."
These comments came after yesterday's confirmation that the virus had been found in a swan in Fife in Scotland.
So far, only two out of the 13 cases of 'bird flu' in the European Union have been reported to have been transferred to domestic poultry and today the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) have said that there is no need for people to panic at this early stage.
The Department of Agriculture has set up a special telephone line for anyone seeking advice or for anyone who may spot dead swans or other waterfowl, or large numbers of dead wild birds. The number is 028 90 524999.
(EF/SP)
The remains of the birds were found on the River Bann near Portglenone and others were found near Randalstown in County Antrim.
Northern Ireland's chief vet, Bert Houston had said that "routine tests" were being carried out on the birds, however he added that tests carried out on other swans recently showed up negative for the H5N1 virus.
Mr Houston had eraier said that if the virus was found in Northern Ireland, the government had plans in place to deal with an outbreak.
He said: "It will involve us setting up a series of command structures, getting a local exotic disease centre placed on the ground, we will put in 3km protection zones, 10km surveillance zones and apply all the control measures required by the European Commission."
These comments came after yesterday's confirmation that the virus had been found in a swan in Fife in Scotland.
So far, only two out of the 13 cases of 'bird flu' in the European Union have been reported to have been transferred to domestic poultry and today the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) have said that there is no need for people to panic at this early stage.
The Department of Agriculture has set up a special telephone line for anyone seeking advice or for anyone who may spot dead swans or other waterfowl, or large numbers of dead wild birds. The number is 028 90 524999.
(EF/SP)
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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice to travellers who are returning to, or entering, countries currently affected by 'bird flu'.
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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice to travellers who are returning to, or entering, countries currently affected by 'bird flu'.
06 April 2006
Department of Agriculture vets examine dead swans
A popular tourist site in County Antrim has been sealed off following the discovery of a number of dead swans in the area. The remains of the animals were found on the River Bann near Portglenone, and vets from the Department of Agriculture are examining the birds in case they died from the deadly bird flu virus.
Department of Agriculture vets examine dead swans
A popular tourist site in County Antrim has been sealed off following the discovery of a number of dead swans in the area. The remains of the animals were found on the River Bann near Portglenone, and vets from the Department of Agriculture are examining the birds in case they died from the deadly bird flu virus.
28 April 2017
Bird Flu Protection Measures To Be Extended In NI
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that bird flu protection measures are to be extended in Northern Ireland. The Avian Influenza Protection Zone is being extended until 31 May 2017. NI's Chief Veterinary Officer Robert J Huey is reminding all bird keepers to remain vigilant.
Bird Flu Protection Measures To Be Extended In NI
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that bird flu protection measures are to be extended in Northern Ireland. The Avian Influenza Protection Zone is being extended until 31 May 2017. NI's Chief Veterinary Officer Robert J Huey is reminding all bird keepers to remain vigilant.
03 February 2017
First Case Of Bird Flu Found In Swan In NI
The first case of bird flu has been found in a dead swan in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed. The wild swan was found by a member of the public near Lough Beg in Co L'Derry and it tested positive for the H5N8 avian influenza.
First Case Of Bird Flu Found In Swan In NI
The first case of bird flu has been found in a dead swan in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed. The wild swan was found by a member of the public near Lough Beg in Co L'Derry and it tested positive for the H5N8 avian influenza.
15 March 2010
Castle Espie Restoration Project Boosted
Extra cash has 'flown-in' to an iconic wildfowl facility in Co Down. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Castle Espie to inspect the restoration project that his Department has co-funded.
Castle Espie Restoration Project Boosted
Extra cash has 'flown-in' to an iconic wildfowl facility in Co Down. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots visited the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Castle Espie to inspect the restoration project that his Department has co-funded.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
