The avian influenza prevention zone in Northern Ireland, due to expire today (31 May 2017) will not be renewed, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.
The zone required bird keepers in Northern Ireland to put in place enhanced biosecurity measures prior to letting their birds outside, in order to reduce the risk of disease.
The ban on shows and gatherings of poultry, waterfowl and game birds will also be lifted today and a new general licence will come into force reflecting this change.
The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Robert Huey said: “This will be welcome news for many keepers who have opted to keep their birds indoors to protect them from a seasonally increased risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8.
“This decision has been made following a recent veterinary risk assessment concluding that the risk of avian influenza incursion to poultry and captive birds in Northern Ireland is low.
“This has been a testing time for all of us, and I would like to thank all bird keepers in Northern Ireland for their co-operation and vigilance. Your positive and committed response has helped us reach this point.”
'Relief'
The CVO added: “It is a relief to see that the risk of HPAI H5N8 in Northern Ireland has reduced, but this does not mean we should be complacent; the risk of avian influenza remains a real and constant threat.
“It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity all year round, not only when a prevention zone is in place.
All bird keepers have been reminded to consider maintaining enhanced biosecurity practices such as washing boots and equipment with approved disinfectant, implementing effective rodent control, minimising unnecessary visitors and reducing their flock’s contact with wild birds.
The risk of avian influenza remains a threat to industry as demonstrated by the outbreaks in Lancashire last month.
Specific licensing arrangements relating to the importation of poultry and hatching eggs, ornamental fowl, racing pigeons and captive birds from Britain remain in place.
