28,000 chickens culled in Ballinderry due to suspected avian flu

By Q Radio News

A cull of 28,000 broiler chickens has been carried out at commercial premises in Ballinderry in Co Derry/Londonderry due to suspected avian flu.

Two other suspected cases in a commercial poultry flock near Markethill, Co Armagh, and a commercial duck flock in Coagh, Co Tyrone, have been  confirmed, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said.

There are now four confirmed outbreaks in Northern Ireland plus the suspected case in Ballinderry.

The outbreak is the worst on record in the UK and has also hit the Republic where there are cases in Counties Monaghan and Cavan.

Mr Poots called on the poultry industry to be vigilant.

“Right across Europe and the UK, we are seeing this strain of Avian Influenza wipe out small backyard keepers with one or two birds, to large commercial businesses with over 500,000 birds.

“It is extremely disappointing that this is now the worst outbreak ever across the UK and yet another stark reminder of the importance of excellent bio-security measures which ultimately, are the only protection we have in preventing Avian Influenza getting into our housed flocks.

"This is a particularly persistent strain and it will use any lapse in bio-security to gain access to a flock.

"Everyone must not only use our bio-security checklist to see if they have ticked all the boxes, but get into a routine of checking it every morning.

"Make sure there are no forgotten or damaged access points and review your procedures every day to reduce the risk."

(Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots)