First it was Tyrone, then Derry had a captive bird temporary control zone (CBTCZ) invoked. Next thing, across the whole island of Ireland poultry were to be kept indoors due to bird flu risk from Monday 17th February.
Since early December there have been detections of the disease in wild birds in Galway, Dublin, Donegal, Westmeath and Wexford. Measures had been in effect since December, but were escalated due to the increase in perceived threat from the virus spread.
The discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in a nature reserve in Magherafelt Co. Derry caused authorities there to set up a three kilometre control zone. Then measures were to be extended province wide to segue with the Irish move. The biosecurity measures to protect birds are pretty stringent and it can only be hoped that the virus doesn’t spread further. Unfortunately with these things the flu may have flown before measures get put in place.
Fingers crossed though.
Anyone coming across a dead bird is advised not to touch the animal, and to report it to the relevant authorities.
Up to two million farmed and captured birds have been culled over the past three months in the UK - it certainly shows the enormity of the threat facing the UK and Ireland.
And with the recent cull of over 60,000 poultry in Dungannon Co. Tyrone last week - things are definitely serious.
