Bird Flu Update 14/12/19 -

[willie reynolds]

Further bird flu update
Posted on December 14, 2019 by fred

As you may be aware Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza of the H5 strain has been confirmed in a commercial farm in Suffolk, England on Tuesday 10th December. A 1km restriction zone has been put in place to limit the risk of disease spread.
As a result of this a veterinary risk assessment for Northern Ireland has recommended the introduction of interim movement requirements for poultry and hatching eggs, ornamental fowl, racing pigeons and captive birds from Great Britain.
Importers are advised that the existing general licences relating to poultry and hatching eggs, ornamental fowl, racing pigeons and captive birds are being revoked and that new specific licensing arrangements for movements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be implemented with effect from noon today, Friday 13 December 2019. Consignments currently in transit will be allowed to enter Northern Ireland with the documentation that was current at the time of export.
Anyone wishing to move birds in the categories referred to above or requiring further information should contact Veterinary Service Trade Section on 028 774 42096 or email tradeadminpost@daera-ni.gov.uk
Posted in Latest NIPA news

Importation licences
Posted on December 13, 2019 by fred

Please see attached a letter outlining actions DAERA are taking as a result of a veterinary risk assessment undertaken by DAERA to determine the risk of an avian influenza incursion to poultry in Northern Ireland following the confirmation of low pathogenicity avian influenza in Suffolk, England. The risk to Northern Ireland poultry remains low however the following action is recommended to reduce the risk to Northern Ireland should the situation in GB escalate.
Importers are advised that the existing general licences relating to movements of live poultry and hatching eggs, ornamental fowl, racing pigeons and captive birds from GB to NI including those consignments which transit the ROI are being revoked. New specific licensing arrangements will be implemented with effect from noon on Friday 13 December 2019. This change does not impact on movements of poultry meat or table eggs. Consignments currently in transit will be allowed to enter Northern Ireland with the documentation that was current at the time of consignment.
All bird keepers are reminded of the need for vigilance, early reporting of any disease suspicion and the continued maintenance of excellent biosecurity measures.

Should you require further information please contact Veterinary Service Trade Section on 028 774 42096 or email tradeadminpost@daera-ni.gov.uk
This is in an interim measure and the duration of this and/or the implementation of further measures will be determined by the situation in GB and subsequent veterinary risk assessments undertaken in Northern Ireland.