Migrating birds bring avian flu warnings

Effective biosecurity measures by bird keepers are vital in protecting the north against the introduction of avian influenza (AI).

That is the message from the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer (DCVO) of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Dr Perpetua McNamee, to all bird keepers today following outbreaks of AI in England in late 2014 and 2015.

Dr McNamee said: "As we approach autumn and with the arrival of increased numbers of migrating birds, I advise bird keepers to remain vigilant and continue to practise high standards of biosecurity on their premises. AI can be spread to domestic birds through contact with infected wild birds.

Contact may be direct or indirect through faecal contamination of anything that may come into contact with domestic birds such as feed, water, utensils or clothing. The risk of disease spread can therefore be reduced by minimising contact with wild birds. These measures all help to mitigate the risk of a disease outbreak in local poultry flocks.

"Bird keepers should contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner if they detect signs of disease in their birds. AI is a notifiable disease and must be reported as soon as possible to the local Divisional Veterinary Office.

"It is also vitally important that all bird keepers (except those who keep caged pet birds in their home) register with DARD and keep their details up to date on the DARD Bird Register. Bird keepers who have not yet registered their birds should do so immediately."