Another Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N8, was found in a poultry flock in Northan Ireland which has been running rampant in parts of Europe and Asia so far in 2021: More than 110,000 birds are being culled as a result of the detection

More than 110,000 birds are being culled as a result of the detection of avian influenza in Northern Ireland, the North's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daerah) has confirmed. The North's chief veterinary officer, Dr Robert Huey reported that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N8, was found in a poultry flock at a commercial holding in Clough in Co Down. A second suspected case is under investigation at a commercial holding near Lisburn, Co Antrim. 

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Rampant! France is to cull 600,000 poultry birds as it tries to contain an avian influenza virus that is spreading among duck flocks in the southwest of the country: As of Jan. 1, France had confirmed 61 outbreaks of the H5N8 virus

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Approximately 80,000 birds are being culled at the Clough concern while about 31,000 birds will be destroyed at the Lisburn operation. To date, there have been eight positive cases of avian flu in wild birds in Northern Ireland across five different locations. There also were recent detections in wild birds, poultry and captive birds across Britain in addition to detections in the Republic.

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Avian influenza has been spreading through Europe and Asia in recent weeks, causing millions of birds to be culled as Denmark becomes the first European country of 2021 to announce an outbreak with the culling of almost 10,000 birds

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An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across Northern Ireland since December 1st. "This confirmation of notifiable HPAI within poultry flocks here has the potential to have a devastating effect on the industry," said Dr Huey. "It is vital that all the necessary steps are taken to prevent the further spread of this disease in Northern Ireland. All poultry keepers must urgently take action now to keep their birds safe and reduce the risk over the higher risk winter period," he added. Dr Huey said, "I am urging everyone to critically review and improve where necessary, their biosecurity arrangements, remaining alert for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds in any way please report it to DAERA immediately."

Disease 2021

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