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Northern Ireland Ends Avian Influenza Restrictions and Poultry Gathering Ban

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Sakchi Khandelwal
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The UK-wide measures began after bird flu was found in captive birds and poultry at 180 UK holdings
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Image Credit: Belfast Telegraph

Protective measures implemented to combat bird flu in the poultry sector are lifted

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Northern Ireland has officially lifted the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone and the ban on poultry gatherings that were introduced last October as part of an extensive effort to safeguard the poultry industry from the threat of bird flu. These measures included mandatory biosecurity requirements, such as thorough cleansing and disinfection practices, as well as restrictions on visitor numbers to minimize potential disease transmission.

Successful Measures in Combating Bird Flu Outbreak

The implementation of these measures across the United Kingdom was prompted by the detection of bird flu in captive birds and poultry at 180 holdings. Likewise, similar restrictions were imposed in the Republic of Ireland in September after continued detections of the virus in wild birds during the preceding summer. Although the outbreak was described as the most severe ever recorded in these islands, the risk to human health remained low throughout the duration of the outbreak.

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Journey Towards Controlling Avian Influenza in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza strain, H5N1, was identified in captive birds at the Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre located in County Down. In response, authorities swiftly established a 3km Temporary Control Zone, which later transitioned into a Captive Bird Monitoring Zone. Finally, on October 17, 2022, the announcement of the Protection Zone was made. These measures were undertaken as migratory wild birds were returning to Irish shores, posing an increased risk of disease transmission.

The Protection Zone mandated strict biosecurity measures for all bird owners. These measures included preventing wild birds from accessing the same food and water sources as poultry or captive birds, as well as enforcing rigorous rules regarding cleansing and disinfection.

The successful implementation of these measures has resulted in the lifting of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone and the poultry gathering ban in Northern Ireland. This development brings a sense of relief to the poultry sector, which has faced significant challenges due to the bird flu outbreak. It is crucial for all stakeholders to continue practicing vigilant biosecurity measures to mitigate future risks and ensure the ongoing protection of the poultry industry.

Northern Ireland Bird Flu Public Health Avian Influenza biosecurity Poultry Industry Protection Measures
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