Bird f lu scare prompts poultry facility to cull 27,000 ducks

A BIRD flu scare led to a cull of 27,000 ducks at a breeding facility in Co. Tyrone yesterday.

It comes after a suspected case of avian influenza at the premises at Aughnacloy, owned and operated by well-known duck producer Silver Hill.

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture said chief veterinary officer Dr Robert Huey took the decision based on several factors.

These include clinical signs, preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), and recent confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in commercial flocks in Co. Monaghan.

There have also been several confirmed cases of bird flu in wild birds across Northern Ireland.

‘A suspect case of notifiable avian influenza (AI) was reported to the Department on Tuesday, November 30, and initial results suggest the presence of notifiable AI,’ Dr Huey said.

‘That, alongside the recently confirmed cases in Co. Monaghan, as well as a number of confirmed cases in wild birds across Northern Ireland, means it is vital we act swiftly to try and limit the spread of any potential disease.

‘Disease control measures have been put in place, including the humane culling of the affected ducks [27,000] and the introduction of temporary control zones. Samples have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory. Should highly pathogenic avian influenza be confirmed, a three-kilometre protection zone and 10km surveillance zone will be established.’

Dr Huey warned flock keepers to take steps urgently to protect their birds.

‘We cannot afford to be complacent. I am speaking to those who have half a dozen birds in the garden, right up to those commercial flock keepers with thousands of birds: act now,’ he said.

‘You must adhere to all biosecurity measures. I am extremely concerned about the serious risk of spread and this is a very worrying development.’