Extension of AI Prevention Zone in Northern Ireland -

[willie reynolds]

From: Fullerton, Darrin <Darrin.Fullerton@daera-ni.gov.uk>
Sent: 01 March 2017 11:54
Subject: Extension of AI Prevention Zone in Northern Ireland

Dear Colleague

You may wish to note a DAERA press release this morning notifying bird keepers that the Avian Influenza (AI) Prevention Zone will remain in force until at least the end of April 2017. However, from 17 March the requirements of the zone will change, meaning that keepers may let their birds out provided they put in place additional biosecurity mitigation measures to minimise the risk of infection from wild birds. We will seek views on the additional measures under consideration in due course before we finalise these.

Content:

An AI Prevention Zone was first declared from 23 December 2016, and was renewed on 20 January 2017 to last until 11:59pm on 16 March 2017. The current zone, which continues to have effect, requires all poultry and captive bird keepers to apply heightened biosecurity including keeping their birds indoors if possible, or otherwise separated from wild birds.

In light of the continuing risk across the UK and Europe, the Department has decided that a further zone should be declared lasting until the end of April. However, based on expert and industry advice it was considered that it would be proportionate to amend the zone from 17 March to allow some birds to be let out under additional biosecurity mitigation measures, to protect our vital poultry industry while still minimising disease risk. If keepers are unable to comply with these additional biosecurity requirements, then they must continue to house or otherwise separate their birds from wild birds. In any event keepers will still have the option to house their birds – for many this will continue to be the easiest way to protect them from AI.

While further guidance on the likely additional biosecurity requirements and how this will work will issue closer to the time, there are steps that keepers should consider taking now in order to make their range unattractive to wild birds prior to 17 March - it is vital that these activities start as soon as possible:

Make your birds’ range unattractive to wild birds:
· Net ponds and drain waterlogged areas of land. If this isn’t possible, then can you fence them off from your birds so they cannot access it whilst ranging, or use an alternative paddock that doesn’t have access to water
· Remove any feeders and water stations from the range, or ensure that they are covered sufficiently to restrict access by wild birds
· Consider using decoy predators or other livestock (such as sheep or cattle) on the range, or allowing dogs to accompany you on foot patrols around the range. You could also consider bird scarers if their use is appropriate for the area (see NFU Code of Practice on bird scarers)

Further information will be available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai. The ban on gatherings of poultry, game birds and waterfowl also remains in force.

Bird keepers in Northern Ireland are reminded of the importance of excellent biosecurity and anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must report it to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. Contact details can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/da ... al-offices

You may wish to pass this alert on to your members as appropriate.

Kind regards

Darrin Fullerton
Animal Disease Control & Trade Policy Branch
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
š darrin.fullerton@daera-ni.gov.uk
É 028 90520872 (ext 20872)

[willie reynolds]

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Next Steps – Press Release

From: Animal Disease Control and Trade Policy Branch <ADCTPB@daera-ni.gov.uk>
Sent: 10 March 2017 14:21
Subject: Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Next Steps – Press Release
Dear Colleague

You may wish to note a DAERA press release today reminding bird keepers to be prepared ahead of the implementation of the new Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) next week.

The new AIPZ, which will be in place from 17 March until 30 April 2017, provides keepers in all areas of Northern Ireland with the option to let their birds outside, subject to them applying additional biosecurity mitigation measures.

The full text of the Declaration describes the requirements of the AIPZ applicable to all bird keepers, as well as the additional biosecurity mitigation measures (for those wishing to let their birds outside).

A checklist is also provided to assist bird keepers with compliance with the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ. This checklist is also being posted to all registered bird keepers next week.

Further information is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai including frequently asked questions.

The ban on gatherings of poultry, game birds and waterfowl also remains in force.

Bird keepers in Northern Ireland are reminded of the importance of excellent biosecurity and anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must report it to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. Contact details can be found at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/da ... al-offices

You may wish to pass this alert on to your members as appropriate.

Kind regards

Darrin Fullerton

Animal Disease Control & Trade Policy Branch

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

š darrin.fullerton@daera-ni.gov.uk

É 028 90520872 (ext 20872)

[willie reynolds]

E-mail from RPRA General Manager Ian Evans - 15/03/17

AVIAN INFLUENZA AND PIGEONS – EXERCISING, SHOWING, SALES, TRAINING AND RACING The following guidance provides clarity for pigeon fanciers on the implications of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the UK – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For those fanciers whose pigeons are kept outside of the Protection / Surveillance Zones (10km zones around HPAI outbreaks): You are able to take part in all pigeon gatherings such as shows, sales, training and racing whilst adhering to the requirements of the general licence, as well as the enhanced biosecurity requirements in place across the UK as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone – Please refer to the RPRA website for the general licence requirements. You can exercise your birds as normal. For those fanciers that house pigeons within the Protection / Surveillance Zone (10km zones around HPAI outbreaks). If you live within a 10km Surveillance Zone around an outbreak you can still exercise your pigeons around the loft but you are unable to take part in any gatherings, i.e. shows, sales, training or racing until the restrictions within these zones have been lifted. There are currently three avian influenza Protection / Surveillance Zones remaining (listed below), which have the above stated restrictions. All are due to be lifted before the end of March, provided there is no further disease found within the zones. Any new outbreaks are likely to result in new Protection and Surveillance Zones being put in place. 1. Wyre, Lancashire 2. Redgrave, Suffolk 3. Haltwhistle, Northumberland To establish if your lofts/pigeons are housed within these 10km zones please refer to the interactive map located on the DEFRA website at http://www.gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk/i ... an/map.jsp Ian Evans General Manager The Royal Pigeon Racing Association Reddings House, The Reddings, Nr Cheltenham,Glos. GL51 6RN. Office - 01452 713529