Daera Avian Influenza stakeholder group

Published on : 22 Jan 2025

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir

BFREPA are regular attendees at the Daera Avian Influenza stakeholder group. The meeting typically covers an update on the current disease picture and risk update given by Ignatius McKeown, a policy update given by Jim Blee and an opportunity to raise issues on behalf of our members. At the last meeting held on Thursday 17th January the main focus was a discussion around implementing an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ). The discussion was triggered by the recent findings of H5N1 in wild birds - a Greylag Goose, near Black Lough, Dungannon on 5th January and on 17th January two further wild birds tested positive - a buzzard found near Moira and the other a whooper swan in Portballintrae. It was also noted that there had been three wild birds cases in the Republic of Ireland meaning that in the Island of Ireland there had been six wild bird cases in total - all widely dispersed and all in different species. The widely dispersed aspect being seen as a key factor.

Jim Blee asked for industry feedback on implementing an AIPZ without a Housing Order in Northern Ireland which was the recommendation of Daera. BFREPA supported the implementation of an AIPZ as a proportionate response and in an attempt to get 'ahead of the curve'. Indeed, there was broad industry support with all of the industry representatives that contributed to the discussion speaking in support of an AIPZ.

Subsequently the recommendation was put to the Minister, who authorised an AIPZ, which came into force in Northern Ireland from 12:00 noon on Saturday 18 January 2025.

The duration of the AIPZ and if a Housing Order should be implemented will be kept under review and will depend upon the evolving disease risk over the coming weeks.

A Press Release issued by the DAERA Minister Andrew Muir can be accessed here.

A copy of the AIPZ Declaration, which details the full requirements which must be adhered to can be accessed here.

Detailed information including a checklist on how to improve biosecurity can be found on the DAERA Avian Influenza Hub.

Continual high standards of biosecurity on all poultry premises is the most effective tool in protecting Northern Ireland and your birds against this disease.