H5N8 confirmed in NI commercial flock and second case under investigation

Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Robert Huey, has confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N8 has been found in a poultry flock at a commercial holding in Clough and a second suspect case is under investigation at a commercial holding in Lisburn.

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Confirming the finding, Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Robert Huey said, “At the weekend, disease control measures were put in place at a holding in the Clough area, after initial results from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) suggested the presence of notifiable Avian Influenza (AI) in a commercial flock. The National Reference Laboratory has now confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N8 has been detected. This is the first ever HPAI incursion in a poultry flock in Northern Ireland.”

The Department initiated disease control measures at the premises following the initial findings at the weekend and the birds will be humanely culled tomorrow. In addition, two linked holdings have been identified as high risk contacts and as a precautionary measure, will be included in the depopulation. Approximately 80,000 birds will be culled.

An epidemiological investigation is underway to determine the likely source of infection and determine the risk of disease spread.

Meanwhile, a further suspected case of notifiable avian influenza is being investigated at separate commercial premises near Lisburn, County Antrim. Speaking about the second suspect case, Dr Huey said: “I have also initiated disease control measures in a holding near Lisburn, Co Antrim, after initial laboratory results from AFBI indicated the presence of notifiable avian influenza in second, separate commercial holding. These measures include the humane culling of the affected birds (approx. 31,000) and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (3km and 10km) to mitigate for onward disease spread. Samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to determine pathogenicity and strain of the disease and we await those results.”

To date there have been eight positive cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 confirmed in wild birds in Northern Ireland (NI) across five different locations. There have also been recent detections in wild birds, poultry and captive birds across Great Britain (GB), in addition to detections in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been in place across NI from 1 December to further enhance biosecurity measures and a mandatory housing order has been in place since 23 December.

Dr Huey continued: “This confirmation of notifiable HPAI within poultry flocks here has the potential to have a devastating effect on the industry. 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. 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.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must report it to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. Contact details can be found at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices.
2. All poultry and other birds must be registered with DAERA. The application form is available at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bird-registration-form
3. More information about Avian Influenza - including biosecurity guidance - is available from the DAERA website www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza-ai. 
4. A new biosecurity - self assessment tool is also available on the DAERA website to assist all bird keepers in complying with the new rules.
5. Members of the public are encouraged to report dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the DAERA helpline on 0300 200 7840
6. Compensation, based on current market value, will be payable for all poultry culled at the Department’s direction, where HPAI is detected.
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8.  All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office 
9.  The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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