36,000 birds culled in Northern Ireland following two further flu outbreaks

Two further suspect cases of bird flu have been identified in a commercial poultry flock near Markethill in Co Armagh and a commercial duck flock at Coagh in Co Tyrone.
As a result, 14,000 birds in Armagh and 22,000 in Coagh have been culled.
It follows confirmation of cases in Aughnacloy and Broughshane that were positive for the H5N1 strain of the virus.
The Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has put appropriate disease control measures in place and introduced two Temporary Control Zones (TCZs), to mitigate disease spread. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said the sector was at a “critical point” in the management of this outbreak.
“This strain of H5N1 spreads quickly and could wipe out an entire flock in a matter of days,” he continued.
“I am urging all bird keepers to proactively assess your current biosecurity measures and redouble your efforts to keep this disease out of your flocks.
“Keep your flock housed, change your boots, wash your hands, wear disposable boiler suits, keep surrounding areas clean and only have essential vehicles coming on site - simple, repetitive steps will help protect your flock from Avian Flu.
“We cannot afford to be complacent and must act now to protect our flocks.”
Meanwhile, four cases have been identified in flocks across Monaghan and Cavan.
The latest was identified just last week in a turkey flock in Butlersbridge.