Northern Ireland’s bird flu measures to lift on 13 April
Mandatory housing measures to stem the spread of bird flu are being lifted at midnight on 13 April, but poultry keepers across Northern Ireland are told to remain vigilant.
6 April 2021
3 minute read
By: Previous statements from the Ulster Farmers Union say that the region’s poultry industry is moving in the right direction as producers prepare to turn their flocks out onto controlled outdoor areas. Poultry keepers are being urged to use appropriate biosecurity measures as the bird flu restrictions ease.
Ulster Farmers Union poultry chair Ronnie Wells said, “…whilst some may think this symbolizes the end of the risk period, this is not the case. It is important that bird keepers remain vigilant as migratory birds are still present, therefore the risk of avian influenza (AI) remains.”
Wells went on to say that backyard poultry keepers should be on high alert for signs of bird flu and to take extra care with cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothes and vehicles.
New outbreaks of bird flu have been reported in other areas of the UK in the last week.
