27,000 ducks are to be culled at a poultry farm in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone following the a case of suspected bird flu being discovered.
Disease control measures have been started after the report was made to the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Robert Huey made the decision to cull the ducks, following recently confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic H5N1 aviation influenza.
Dr Huey said it was vital to act swiftly to limit the spread of disease.
“A suspect case of notifiable Avian Influenza (AI) was reported to the Department on Tuesday 30 November and initial results suggest the presence of notifiable AI,” Dr Huey said.
“That, alongside the recently confirmed cases in County Monaghan as well as a number of confirmed cases in wild birds across Northern Ireland, means that it is vital we act swiftly to try and limit the spread of any potential disease.
“Therefore, as a precautionary measure, appropriate disease control measures have been put in place, including the humane culling of the affected ducks (27,000) and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.”
NI’s top vet warned that if the strain of flu is confirmed, a three kilometre protection zone would be necessary, as well as a 10 kilometre surveillance zone.
“Given this suspected incursion of notifiable AI, we cannot afford to be complacent. I am speaking to those who have half a dozen birds in the garden, right up to those commercial flock keepers with thousands of birds – ACT NOW.
“You must adhere to all biosecurity measures to protect your flock. I am extremely concerned about the serious risk of spread and this is a very worrying development.”
