Northern Ireland Implements Avian Influenza Prevention zone Following Wild Bird Cases
Northern Ireland has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) effective from 12pm on Saturday, 18 January 2025, in response to three confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in wild birds across three counties. This marks the first detection of the disease in wild birds in the region since September 2023.
The first case was identified in a wild goose near Black Lough, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on Thursday. Two additional cases were confirmed yesterday: a buzzard near Moira, Co Down, and a whooper swan in Portballintrae, Co Antrim.Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “with the detection of the first cases of notifiable avian influenza in Northern Ireland as September 2023, all flock keepers should take immediate action on biosecurity and good farm practice to reduce the risk of incursion of avian influenza into the Northern Ireland poultry flock.”
The AIPZ mandates strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers, whether they manage commercial flocks, backyard poultry, or even a single pet bird. Key requirements include ensuring that poultry and captive birds have access to food and water inaccessible to wild birds, and also adhering to rigorous cleansing and disinfection protocols.
Chief Veterinary officer Brian Dooher highlighted the importance of these measures, noting, “If Avian Influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy.”
While there is currently no requirement to house poultry or prohibit bird gatherings, officials have stated that these measures will be kept under constant review.
What You Need to Know
| Key Details | Details |
|—————————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Effective Date | 18 January 2025, 12pm |
| Affected Areas | Co Tyrone, Co Down, Co Antrim |
| Confirmed Cases | Wild goose, buzzard, whooper swan |
| Biosecurity Measures | Food/water protection, cleansing/disinfection, wild bird exclusion |
| Reporting Dead Birds | Use the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool |
All poultry and captive birds in Northern Ireland must be registered with the department of Agriculture, Surroundings and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease, and suspected cases must be reported to the local Divisional Veterinary Office instantly.
The public is urged to report findings of dead waterfowl (swans, geese, ducks) or other wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, using the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.
This swift action underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by HPAI H5N1 and the need for collective vigilance to protect Northern Ireland’s poultry industry and wildlife. Stay informed, follow biosecurity guidelines, and report any suspicious cases to help curb the spread of this devastating disease.
Understanding Northern Ireland’s Avian Influenza Prevention Zone: An Expert Interview
Table of Contents
In response to the recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in wild birds across Northern Ireland,the region has declared an Avian Influenza Prevention zone (AIPZ) effective from 18 January 2025.To shed light on this critical issue, we sat down with Dr. Fiona McCracken, a leading veterinary epidemiologist, to discuss the implications of this outbreak, the measures being taken, and what the public can do to help.
The Current Outbreak: What We Know So Far
Senior Editor: Dr. McCracken, thank you for joining us. Can you start by giving us an overview of the current situation with HPAI H5N1 in Northern Ireland?
Dr. McCracken: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. three cases of HPAI H5N1 have been confirmed in wild birds across Counties Tyrone, Down, and Antrim. The first case was detected in a wild goose near Black Lough, Dungannon, followed by a buzzard near Moira and a whooper swan in Portballintrae. This is the first detection of the disease in wild birds in the region since September 2023, which is why the authorities have acted swiftly to implement the AIPZ.
The Importance of the Avian Influenza Prevention zone
Senior Editor: What exactly does the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone entail, and why is it so crucial at this stage?
Dr. McCracken: The AIPZ is a set of mandatory biosecurity measures designed to prevent the spread of avian influenza to poultry and captive birds. It applies to all bird keepers, whether they’re managing commercial flocks or just a single pet bird. Key measures include ensuring that food and water sources are inaccessible to wild birds and maintaining rigorous cleansing and disinfection protocols. The goal is to minimize the risk of the virus spreading to domestic birds, which could have devastating consequences for the poultry industry and the wider economy.
“If Avian Influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy.”
Senior Editor: That’s a stark reminder of the potential consequences. Are there any additional measures being considered if the situation worsens?
Dr. McCracken: At this stage, there’s no requirement to house poultry or prohibit bird gatherings, but these measures are under constant review. If the outbreak escalates, further restrictions may be implemented to curb the spread.
What the Public Can Do
senior Editor: How can the public assist in this effort to contain the outbreak?
Dr. McCracken: Public vigilance is crucial. If anyone encounters dead wild birds, particularly waterfowl like swans, geese, ducks, or birds of prey, they shoudl report it instantly using the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool. Early detection and reporting can help authorities respond quickly and prevent further spread. Additionally, anyone keeping poultry or captive birds should ensure they’re registered with DAERA and strictly adhere to the biosecurity measures outlined in the AIPZ.
Looking Ahead: The Broader Implications
Senior Editor: What are the broader implications of this outbreak, and how does it fit into the global picture of avian influenza?
Dr. McCracken: HPAI H5N1 is a highly contagious and virulent strain of avian influenza that has caused significant outbreaks worldwide in recent years. Northern Ireland’s response is part of a broader effort to manage and mitigate the risks posed by this virus. While the immediate focus is on protecting poultry and wildlife, the long-term goal is to prevent the virus from mutating into a form that could pose a threat to human health. This outbreak underscores the importance of global collaboration in monitoring and controlling zoonotic diseases.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. McCracken, for your insights. It’s clear that this is a situation that requires collective vigilance and swift action.
Dr. McCracken: Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this significant issue. Let’s all do our part to protect our birds and our communities.