Poultry farmers across Cavan, Monaghan and the border region are on red alert this morning after a suspected case of avian flu was detected in Co Down. The Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has introduced disease control measures after the detection was made in captive birds close to Strangford Lough.
A 3km disease control restriction zone has been put in place around the infected premises and an order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept in secure housing has been issued. To date there has been180 cases of bird flu across the UK with six confirmed outbreaks in Northern Ireland over the past 12 months and six confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Robert Huey said a bird flu outbreak in the region's commercial flock would have a "significant and devastating impact" on the poultry industry, international trade and on the wider economy.
"In addition, the negative financial and emotional impact on the individual farm family and business is something we have seen all too often with disease incursions and we must do everything we can to avoid this, particularly at this time of heightened risk," he added.
