Northern Ireland’s chief vet has warned bird flu "doesn’t take a break for Christmas" and could wipe out whole flocks in a "matter of days".
Spread of the disease resulted in the cull of 80,000 birds across the region last year.
This year, there has been one confirmed case in a captive bird flock since April and 21 among wild birds.
Read more: Poultry restriction zones imposed in NI after bird flu cases found in Monaghan
Strict housing requirements were put in place on November 28 following the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced by former Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots in October.
But Dr Robert Huey says positive cases are still being found in wild birds, commercial and backyard flocks across Britain and Ireland and “in recent months, have been on the rise”.
He is urging bird keepers to take all the necessary biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the illness, which has the potential to devastate Northern Ireland’s £450 million poultry industry.
Dr Huey said: “It is not an easy situation, but neither is having disease confirmed on your holding.
“I therefore want to thank all of you for your efforts in stopping an incursion of AI across NI this winter, but it doesn’t mean we can drop our guard.
“Avian flu is a cunning and determined virus and could wipe out your flock within a matter of days.
“It will exploit any gaps in your biosecurity, so it is vital that your check this every day.
“No one is safe from an incursion and cases in NI will occur over the coming months unless we all take immediate action now.”
In addition to mandatory housing, DAERA has also developed a biosecurity self assessment tool to help bird keepers review their biosecurity arrangements.
Dr Huey advises:
- Ensuring feed and bedding is protected from rodents and wild birds
- Making sure there are no gaps in housing that would allow wild birds or rodent access
- Cleaning footwear every time you visit birds
- Humanely controlling rodents
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces
“These actions should become a regular, repetitive and instinctive part of your bird-owning routines,” he added.
“A daily task you need to keep on top of, even on Christmas Day!
“These are not one-off events, but something you should do every single day, and come as naturally as providing food and water for your birds.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to also register their birds.
“This will enable us to contact you with important disease information, giving you the best opportunity to protect your birds."
You can access a registration form at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bird-registration-form or sign up for the text alert service simply by texting ‘BIRDS OPT IN’ to 07860 098672.
This will allow you to receive immediate notification of any important disease information so you can protect your flock at the earliest opportunity.
“The most important message I have for you this Christmas is - biosecurity, biosecurity and more biosecurity!” he said.
“It is vital we work together to protect all our flocks from this terrible disease.”
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