Control area after detection of bird flu in captive birds

According to agriculture, environment and rural affairs (DAERA), a small number of captive birds have conducted an initial positive test for bird flu in a nature reserve outside the Magarfelt.

The department has replaced 3 km Temporary control area Around the reserve, which limits the movement of poultry, captive birds and poultry products in other measures, both in and out of the region.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir described the initial positive results as “very disappointing”.

The disease pose a major risk for the local poultry region, around £ 0.5BN per year for the North Ireland economy.

“No captive bird site or poultry campus is immune by potential infiltration of this terrible disease,” said Muir.

“It is paramount that all bird keepers now take appropriate action to review and increase their bio -safety measures to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.”

The County London complex has been closed to the public and the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland has placed a series of immediate sanctions around the site, including the human pen of remaining captive birds.

Brian Dohar “all herd keepers, in line with the requirements of the avian influenza prevention area across the northern Ireland, have urged to take action to review, where necessary, where necessary, to prevent further incidents of the disease, where necessary, necessary Improve bio -safety “.

The Chief Veterinary Officer said that if the disease will enter our poultry industry, international trade and comprehensive economy to enter the commercial flock “.

A biosecurity checklist is available Dera website,

In JanuaryBird flu cases were confirmed in a wild swan found near Dunganon, a bizard near Moira, and a Hooper Swan in Portballintra.

There has been no outbreak in a commercial setting in Northern Ireland since December 2021.

bird flu The restrictions were reduced In April 2023, after a outbreak which began in October 2021. It was described as it The largest in these islands,

However, strict bio -safety protocols remain in place.

In December 2024, highly infectious virus A dead wild bizard was found County found in Gallway.

This was the first confirmed discovery on the island of Ireland since September 2023.

On Friday, the Irish Agriculture Minister emphasized the importance of bio -safety for the chicken.

Martin Heidon said in a statement, “I want to express my support for poultry farmers and minister Muir officials in Northern Ireland, who are dealing with this matter of avian influenza and working hard to protect their poultry industry Are. “

“My officers are in regular and close communication with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, given the importance of the poultry industry on both sides of the border.”

“My officials are keeping this situation under the ongoing review.”