Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Commenting, UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy said, “The UFU is aware of the suspected case of avian influenza in a commercial flock in Co. Tyrone – the first of the season. A 3km monitoring controlled zone and a 10km surveillance zone have now been set up to help protect the poultry sector from any further infection while a veterinary investigation is being carried out to determine the likely source of infection.
“The news is a stark reminder of how quickly this disease can spread following the first case of highly pathogenic AI in a small number of captive birds outside Magherafelt last week. We need every birdkeeper to strengthen their biosecurity as much as they can and to ensure a high standard of animal welfare during the housing period which came into effect yesterday. This is critical to help prevent any further outbreaks of AI and safeguard our flocks across the region.
“I urge all birdkeepers to make themselves aware of the symptoms of AI and to keep a close eye on their flock. AI infection can include death or high mortalities in a flock, depression/lethargy and respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling or rattling.
“If producers have any suspicion of disease, 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.”
