Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tests Avian Influenza contingency plans

An Avian Influenza operational trial was carried out earlier today in the Omagh area by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

The purpose of the trial was to test the department’s disease control capability in the event of a possible introduction of Avian Influenza to Northern Ireland. This structured rehearsal will enhance DARD management of the operational delivery of measures to control and eradicate the disease.

This is one of a series of trials being held to test all aspects of the Epizootic Disease Contingency Plan and to ensure that DARD has robust measures in place to deal with an outbreak of Epizootic Disease.

Notes to Editors:

1. The trial was part of routine testing of contingency plans by DARD and follows a similar exercise in July 2006. The test involved 6,000 end-of-lay hens and was carried out under controlled conditions using a gas-based method.
2. Almost 60 DARD staff and observers from the Poultry Industry, Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF), NIPSA, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services (NIFRS) participated in this operational trial.
3. Under the EU Directive on control of Avian Influenza, Member States are required to develop a Contingency Plan and to carry out real-time exercises to test its effectiveness.
4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.