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Gildernew outlines Avian Flu precautionary measures |
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Wednesday, 14 November 2007 |
In response to the confirmation of an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Flu at a turkey farm on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, DARD has taken precautionary measures to minimise any risk here.
DARD has been liaising closely with Defra to monitor the situation over the last 24 hours and Minister Gildernew met with senior officials in DARD today to review the most up-to-date information available. The Department has also reviewed the position with the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
On the basis of the information available the Minister has decided to impose a precautionary ban on the movement of birds from Britain to attend bird gatherings in the north. Parallel precautionary action is being taken today by the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin also, so that together we can minimise the risk to the island of Ireland from that route.
The Minister explained further: “My objective is to ensure our response is effective and also proportionate. At this time it is not necessary to require the housing of birds here and it is not necessary to cancel bird gatherings. This means that bird gatherings continue to be permitted, including fairs, markets, shows, exhibitions and pigeon races.
“However, to minimise the disease risk to poultry here, the Department has put some trade restrictions in place. All existing general licences currently relating to the importation of poultry, poultry products including meat and table eggs and captive birds are hereby revoked. New specific and general licensing arrangements are in place effective from Tuesday 13 November.
“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. Bird keepers should feed and water their birds under cover in order to minimise the risk of contact with wild birds and anyone keeping birds outdoors must have a clear plan for housing or separating their birds in the event of a heightened risk to the north.
“DARD is continuing its programme of surveillance of wild birds. To date no highly pathogenic Avian Flu virus has been isolated here.”
Any prospective importer wishing to import from any part of Britain should contact DARD Trade Section at 028 90524664 before import.
DARD 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. We will also continue to work closely with Defra and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
The DARD helpline number is 028 9052 4999.
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