Measures have been put in place after a suspected case of bird flu at a premises in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom.

The potential case was discovered at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh and DAERA have now put the disease control measures in place.

The Chief Veterinary Office for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, said the decision is based on factors including clinical signs and preliminary results.

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said: "A suspect case of notifiable avian influenza was reported on Tuesday, March 3, and initial results suggest the presence of HPAI.

"The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread."

Dooher added: "Disease control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease, and I appeal to all bird owners – backyard and commercial – to take all necessary steps to protect your flock.

"This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to DAERA immediately.

"Samples from the infected premises have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to confirm strain and pathogenicity. Should HPAI be officially confirmed, these TCZs will be revoked and replaced with a three kilometre Protection Zone (PZ) and 10 kilometre Surveillance Zone (SZ)."

The three kilometre temporary control zone will be in place until it is deemed safe for it to be lifted.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for the whole of Northern Ireland remains in place, which means it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry is also in force.

- The Impartial Reporter

Suspected bird flu case in Tyrone, Northern Ireland, UK, prompts control measures

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