The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has urged all poultry and bird keepers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, as evidence confirms that the virus continues to circulate.
The renewed call for vigilance follows recent detections of HPAI H5N1 reported by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland and Defra in Britain.
Daera noted that in late July HPAI H5N1 was confirmed in a small backyard flock in County Donegal and in flocks across six locations in England. In all cases, birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.
The findings highlight the persistent and serious threat posed by AI to both commercial and backyard flocks, Daera said. The department has reminded all bird keepers — regardless of the size or type of flock — to remain alert and take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of infection, particularly from wild birds.
Recent weeks have also seen multiple cases of AI detected in wild birds, particularly in coastal regions of Ireland and Great Britain. One confirmed case has been reported in a wild bird found in County Down.
DAERA emphasised the critical importance of strict biosecurity in preventing the introduction and spread of the disease, with bird keepers advised to consult the Biosecurity Checklist and Biosecurity Guidance available on the Daera website to ensure best practice is being followed at all times.