Poultry section of Balmoral Show cancelled due to concerns over bird flu

More than 700 birds had been entered in this year's show
More than 700 birds had been entered in this year's show

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has cancelled the poultry section of the Balmoral Show because of bird flu concerns.

There have been two confirmed cases of the H5N8 virus confirmed in Northern Ireland - both in wild birds.

More than 700 birds had been entered in this year's show.

Rhonda Geary, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) operations director said: "Following consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the RUAS have regrettably decided to cancel the poultry section of the 2017 show.

"There will, however, still be classes for pigeons, decorated eggs and shelled eggs."

The show normally includes classes for turkeys, geese, waterfowl, modern game, old English game and Bantams.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone for all poultry and captive birds will remain in force in Northern Ireland until at least the end of April, Chief Veterinary Officer Robert Huey recently confirmed.

Mr Huey said: “The decision to put in place a new Avian Influenza Protection Zone from 17 March is based on sound expert and industry advice. The risk of infection from wild birds is unlikely to decrease in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks, particularly as H5N8 has been confirmed in wild birds here.

“The current housing requirement, which is due to end on 16 March, has allowed keepers time to introduce stricter biosecurity measures. Therefore it is our intention to lift the mandatory requirement to house after this date, subject to keepers maintaining the highest possible levels of biosecurity.”