Picture: Cliff Donaldson
The Ulster Farmers’ Union is notifying members that mandatory housing measures for all poultry and kept birds comes into effect today (6 November), following three confirmed cases of avian influenza in NI. Two have been recently confirmed in the Republic of Ireland increasing the risk of infection locally.
UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said, “AI is a deadly infection in poultry, and can swiftly enter and spread among a flock. We’re disappointed DAERA did not introduce housing measures sooner as the poultry sector across the island of Ireland was calling for it to protect farmers’ livelihoods following the confirmed cases, but it’s positive to finally have it in place from today. England’s housing orders also come into effect today.
“We urge farmers to tighten their biosecurity and take all the precautions possible to reduce infection. Good farm hygiene is always essential and make yourself aware of the symptoms of AI and exercise extreme vigilance.
“Backyard keepers need to be as vigilant as poultry farmers because no bird is immune to the threat of AI. Wild birds are also at risk to the disease with many testing positive in England. Farmers and backyard keepers need to be especially cautious of wild birds as a possible carrier of the disease.
“If producers have any suspicion of disease in their flock, contact your vet or local divisional veterinary office immediately. To stay up to date with AI, please sign up to DAERA’s text alert service by texting BIRDS to 67300.”
