An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed this morning in a small, mixed species, backyard flock in Co Fermanagh.
As a precaution, appropriate disease control measures including the humane culling of the affected birds and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZs), to mitigate for onward disease spread has been introduced at the location outside Enniskillen.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is advising poultry farmers and backyard keepers to ensure they continue to have strict biosecurity measures in place.
Its Poultry chairman Ronnie Wells said the protection of individual businesses and the entire industry was now a priority.
“It is vital in response to the outbreak in Co Fermanagh, that maximum biosecurity measures remain," he continued.
"This is essential to protect individual businesses and the entire industry. All birds should now be permanently housed including backyard flocks, in line with DAERA advice.”
Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, meanwhile, has called on all bird keepers - particularly those with small backyard flocks - to review their biosecurity practices.
He added that "excellent" biosecurity remained the most effective defence in the reduction of transmission of avian influenza to poultry.
"As part of the measures of the AIPZ, bird keepers legally must keep their birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds," the Minister said.
"We cannot afford to be complacent so I would urge everyone to take all measures necessary.”
