“Avian flu is a cunning and determined virus and could wipe out your flock within a matter of days.'
Northern Ireland’s chief vet has warned bird flu "doesn’t take a break for Christmas" and could wipe out whole flocks in a "matter of days".This year, there has been one confirmed case in a captive bird flock since April and 21 among wild birds.Strict housing requirements were put in place on November 28 following the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced by former Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots in October.
He is urging bird keepers to take all the necessary biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the illness, which has the potential to devastate Northern Ireland’s £450 million poultry industry.“I therefore want to thank all of you for your efforts in stopping an incursion of AI across NI this winter, but it doesn’t mean we can drop our guard.“It will exploit any gaps in your biosecurity, so it is vital that your check this every day.
In addition to mandatory housing, DAERA has also developed a biosecurity self assessment tool to help bird keepers review their biosecurity arrangements.“These actions should become a regular, repetitive and instinctive part of your bird-owning routines,” he added.“These are not one-off events, but something you should do every single day, and come as naturally as providing food and water for your birds.
“This will enable us to contact you with important disease information, giving you the best opportunity to protect your birds."
Belgique Dernières Nouvelles, Belgique Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
'Christmas will not be Christmas': Ukrainians on their first festive season in the UKAs the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, refugees who are living in the UK share plans for their first Christmas away from their country and many family members left behind
Lire la suite »
Nurses 'dreading Christmas' with many 'worried about paying rent' warns union boss Pat CullenNurses are dreading Christmas this year, with some worried about losing their homes and keeping up with rent payments, union boss Pat Cullen has said on the second day of strikes.
Lire la suite »
An eating disorder doesn’t take a Christmas break - I've recovered but anorexia lurksThe sad reality was I did not care about potentially ruining everyone’s Christmas Day with an argument as long as I didn’t have to eat. For as long as I can remember this was how Christmas went
Lire la suite »
The new winter sun favourite that brings Christmas to lifeEmpty desert, beaches and souks are among the treasures of Oman, but following a frankincense trail reveals the country's storied past
Lire la suite »