The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
(DAERA) is urging all poultry and bird keepers across Northern
Ireland to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, as
evidence confirms that the virus continues to circulate.
This renewed call for vigilance follows recent detections of
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 reported by both
the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in the
Ireland and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Defra) in Great Britain.
In recent days, HPAI H5N1 has been confirmed in a small backyard
flock in County Donegal and in flocks across six locations in
England. In all cases, birds were humanely culled to prevent
further spread.
These findings highlight the persistent and serious threat posed
by avian influenza to both commercial and backyard flocks. DAERA
is reminding all bird keepers — regardless of the size or type of
flock — to remain alert and take all necessary steps to minimise
the risk of infection, particularly from wild birds.
Recent weeks have also seen multiple cases of avian influenza
detected in wild birds, particularly in coastal regions of
Ireland and Great Britain. One confirmed case has been reported
in a wild bird found in County Down.
DAERA is emphasising the critical importance of strict
biosecurity in preventing the introduction and spread of the
disease. Robust biosecurity remains the most effective defence
against avian influenza, protecting individual flocks and the
wider poultry industry. Bird keepers are advised to consult
the Biosecurity Checklist and Biosecurity Guidance: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/clinical-signs-biosecurity-checklist-and-guidance
available on the DAERA website to ensure best practices are being
followed at all times.
DAERA also reminds all bird keepers — with the exception of those
who keep pet birds exclusively within their home — that
registration of their birds is a legal requirement. Those who
have not yet registered are urged to download and complete the
registration form available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bird-registration-form
The public is encouraged to report any findings of dead wild
birds using the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool which
can be accessed via the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-dead-wild-bird-online-reporting-tool
