Menu
14/11/2007
Vigilance Urged As H5N1 Strain Confirmed
As the avian flu outbreak in Suffolk was confirmed as the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, the N I Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew has assured the poultry sector and bird keepers that her department is in close contact with DEFRA in England.
While the minister stopped short of placing restrictions on poultry keepers in Northern Ireland, she banned the movement of birds from Britain to attend bird gatherings here and tightened the rules on importation of poultry, captive birds and poultry products, including meat and table eggs.
All live bird imports from Britain for the last month have been traced, the minister told reporters last night.
"There were 17 consignments over the month, including 14 of day-olds, two of hatching eggs and one of breeding ducks, none of which came from the area... affected," she said.
"My objective is to ensure our response is effective and proportionate. At this time it is not necessary to require the housing of birds [or] cancel bird gatherings.
"Bird gatherings continue to be permitted, including fairs, markets, shows, exhibitions and pigeon races."
However. all general licences for importing poultry, poultry products and captive birds have been revoked and specific and general licensing arrangements were put in place from yesterday.
Last night scientists had not yet traced the source of the H5N1 virus but the minister said infection from wild birds remained a possibility.
She expressed concern that infected individuals could be among migrating birds making their way to Northern Ireland from affected areas.
There have been outbreaks in Germany, France and the Czech Republic but the closest case of a human contracting the disease was in Romania.
"There is little we can do about migrating bird patterns from areas where avian influenza is present. We are doing what we can but one infected swan could be in Strangford Lough now," Ms Gildernew said.
However, she stressed that there is no reason for public health concern and the chances of humans contracting the disease remain very low. Appropriate biosecurity measures are essential in keeping Northern Ireland free of Avian Flu.
Emphasising the importance of good biosecurity, Ms Gildernew said: "It is important that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and observe high levels of bio-security, so that together we can keep the risk to a minimum. Keepers should contact their private veterinary practitioner if they detect signs of disease."
DARD is continuing its programme of surveillance of wild birds and to date no highly pathogenic Avian Flu virus has been isolated here.
The Department has an Avian Flu contingency plan in place, which would be invoked in the event of an outbreak here. DARD will keep the situation closely under review in conjunction with stakeholders and will also continue to work closely with DEFRA and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
(BMcC)
While the minister stopped short of placing restrictions on poultry keepers in Northern Ireland, she banned the movement of birds from Britain to attend bird gatherings here and tightened the rules on importation of poultry, captive birds and poultry products, including meat and table eggs.
All live bird imports from Britain for the last month have been traced, the minister told reporters last night.
"There were 17 consignments over the month, including 14 of day-olds, two of hatching eggs and one of breeding ducks, none of which came from the area... affected," she said.
"My objective is to ensure our response is effective and proportionate. At this time it is not necessary to require the housing of birds [or] cancel bird gatherings.
"Bird gatherings continue to be permitted, including fairs, markets, shows, exhibitions and pigeon races."
However. all general licences for importing poultry, poultry products and captive birds have been revoked and specific and general licensing arrangements were put in place from yesterday.
Last night scientists had not yet traced the source of the H5N1 virus but the minister said infection from wild birds remained a possibility.
She expressed concern that infected individuals could be among migrating birds making their way to Northern Ireland from affected areas.
There have been outbreaks in Germany, France and the Czech Republic but the closest case of a human contracting the disease was in Romania.
"There is little we can do about migrating bird patterns from areas where avian influenza is present. We are doing what we can but one infected swan could be in Strangford Lough now," Ms Gildernew said.
However, she stressed that there is no reason for public health concern and the chances of humans contracting the disease remain very low. Appropriate biosecurity measures are essential in keeping Northern Ireland free of Avian Flu.
Emphasising the importance of good biosecurity, Ms Gildernew said: "It is important that bird keepers remain vigilant for signs of disease and observe high levels of bio-security, so that together we can keep the risk to a minimum. Keepers should contact their private veterinary practitioner if they detect signs of disease."
DARD is continuing its programme of surveillance of wild birds and to date no highly pathogenic Avian Flu virus has been isolated here.
The Department has an Avian Flu contingency plan in place, which would be invoked in the event of an outbreak here. DARD will keep the situation closely under review in conjunction with stakeholders and will also continue to work closely with DEFRA and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
