DARD precautionary measure in response to bird flu in Wales
Friday, 25 May 2007The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has taken precautionary measures to minimise the risk of spread of Avian Flu to Northern Ireland.
This is in response to confirmation of low pathogenic Avian Flu H7N2 at a poultry farm in North Wales. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA was briefed as soon as she returned from the United States on the Wales position and is being kept fully appraised of the situation.
DARD is continuing to work closely with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government to monitor the situation. The Department has also reviewed the position with the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
On the basis of most up-to-date information available, DARD has decided to impose a precautionary ban on the movement of poultry from Great Britain to attend bird gatherings in Northern Ireland. This ban does not extend to other captive birds or racing pigeons from Great Britain. It is a precautionary step in proportion to the risk at this time. This position will be kept under review.
Parallel precautionary action is being taken today by the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
Birds from the Republic of Ireland and from Northern Ireland remain free to participate in gatherings throughout the island. DARD is continuing its programme of surveillance of wild birds in Northern Ireland. To date, no highly pathogenic Avian Flu virus has been isolated here.
All bird keepers are reminded of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity and remaining vigilant for signs of disease. Keepers should feed and water their birds under cover in order to minimise the risk of contact with wild birds. They should contact their Private Veterinary Practitioner if they detect signs of disease.
Bird keepers are reminded of the requirement to register on the NI Bird Register, with the exception of caged pet birds kept in the owner’s home.
DARD also wishes to remind importers of the requirements to import poultry and ornamental fowl from Great Britain.
Importers must obtain a copy of the General Licence covering this trade DARD/GEN/07/06 poultry and hatching eggs from Great Britain and DANI/GEN/07/07 ornamental fowl from a show/premises in Great Britain. Copies of the General Import licences are available for download from the DARD website 
In addition, a copy of the General Licence must accompany the consignment at the time of import into Northern Ireland.
The importer must present the consignment to DARD Portal Inspectors at the Port/Airport of entry immediately upon arrival. Poultry importers must also present a copy of the Commercial Document, details of which can be found in the General Licence.
Trade from NI to GB and Member States can carry on as normal.
The situation in respect of exports to Third Countries remains fluid. In such cases prospective exporters should contact Trade section.
DARD has an Avian Flu contingency plan in place which would be invoked in the event of an outbreak here.
DARD will keep the situation closely under review in conjunction with stakeholders. We will also continue to work closely with Defra, Welsh Assembly officials and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin.
Notes to Editors:
1. Avian influenza is a disease of birds, and whilst it can pass very rarely and with difficulty to humans, this requires extremely close contact with infected birds, particularly faeces.
2. Low pathogenic Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Typically, infection with LPAI is often difficult to detect, with very few if any clinical signs. An infected flock might show signs of respiratory distress, diarrhoea, a loss of appetite or a drop in egg production.
3. Avian Influenza can be spread to domestic birds is through contact with infected wild birds. Contact may be direct or indirect through faecal contamination of anything that may come into contact with domestic birds such as feed, water, utensils or clothing. The risk of disease spread can therefore be reduced by minimising contact with wild birds.
4. Guidance to help bird keepers find practical ways of minimising contact with wild birds is available in the leaflet ‘Preparing for Avian Influenza – Separating flocks from Wild Birds’ issued in June 2006. Information is also available on the DARD website
5. Guidance for members of the public on what they should do if they find a dead wild bird is available on the DARD website .
6. DARD General Licences apply to the importation of all fowl, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quail, pigeons, pheasants, partridge and ratites reared or kept in captivity for breeding, the production of meat or eggs for consumption or re-stocking supplies of game. They also apply to ornamental fowl returning from shows and poultry transport vehicles.
7. Copies of the General Import licences are available for download from the DARD website at www.dardni.gov.uk. Alternatively a copy can be obtained by contacting Trade Section Animal Welfare and Trade Branch, Room 732, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB, or telephone 028 90 524664 or e-mail amy.masterson@dardni.gov.uk.
8. DARD has written to all interested parties advising them of the new arrangements.
9. Advice from the Food Standards Agency remains that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
10. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.
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