AQW 3623/17-22


Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim


Tabled Date: 12/03/2020
Answered On Date: 02/04/2020
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs how he will reassure farmers concerned by recent incidents of avian flu.


Answer:
My Department continues to take a range of actions to reassure famers concerned by the recent cases of non-notifiable avian influenza. The detection of any animal disease is always a concern and the prevention of epizootic disease incursions is one of my Department’s main priorities.
The Department has published a control strategy for dealing with avian influenza outbreaks and these plans are continuously reviewed. Surveillance to detect disease is carried out on wild birds and poultry in accordance with European legislative requirements.
When a report of a suspect notifiable disease is received restrictions are immediately placed on the affected premises. These measures prevent any movements, on or off the premises, of susceptible species and/or products. Restrictions remain in place until veterinary enquiries are complete and notifiable disease has been ruled out.
My officials have been working closely with industry representatives in respect of the recent non-notifiable avian influenza cases to determine the potential sources of disease introduction and methods of spread. This information has enabled officials to provide further advice and recommendations to industry on risk pathways, and assist with voluntary depopulation and other biosecurity measures to minimise the risk of spread to other premises.
My Department continues to communicate messages which encourage vigilance, early reporting of suspect cases and the importance of maintaining excellent levels of biosecurity. Flock keepers are also encouraged to subscribe to a bird text alert service and reminded of the need to register their flocks with the Department.
These steps will help keep farmers informed of the current disease risk in Northern Ireland and of the practical steps that can be taken to mitigate that risk.