Avian flu housing order to be introduced in NI

All kept birds and poultry must stay indoors from Monday to mitigate against the potential spread of avian flu, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has said.

Owners of pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard and hobby flocks will have to keep birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds.

The legal order also includes a ban on certain bird gatherings.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said that a similar order will be implemented in the Republic of Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) from the same time of 00:01 on Monday 17 February as well.

The move by the Stormont minister is part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Northern Ireland, which was introduced on 18 January this year.

Mr Muir said the move on both sides of the Irish border will help to ensure industry across both jurisdictions are "protected as much as possible" and said the orders will "help mitigate against any incursion of avian influenza [HPAI]" in both jurisdictions.

"I am grateful for the efforts of industry, and so far, this year we have not had a HPAI incursion in any NI poultry premises," he said.

"However, following preliminary confirmation of HPAI HFN1 in captive birds at a nature reserve outside Magherafelt, and wild bird cases identified across NI, the action announced today seeks to further protect our national flock.

"Northern Ireland relies heavily on the agri-food industry as a source of employment... it is vital that we do all we can to support industry efforts to keep HPAI out."

The chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, urged all flock keepers to please take action now to improve bio-security so as to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds.

"Anyone who keeps birds and poultry, not just those in the commercial sector, will now have a legal obligation to adhere to the housing order requirements, which are there to protect your flock.

"If avian influenza were to enter our NI commercial flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy.

"I would encourage all flock keepers including backyard and hobby keepers to use the next few days to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and, put in place measures to house your birds or keep them separate from wild birds in preparation for the introduction of the mandatory housing order.

"It is expected that this order will be in place for up to eight weeks and will be kept under regular and close review by the department."