Bird flu restrictions to be lifted in NI this weekend
In February, there were three outbreaks of bird flu in commercial poultry premises in County Tyrone around the time of a housing order.It was the first time the disease had been detected in a commercial setting since December 2021.Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the measures had "undoubtedly limited the spread" of the disease."Thanks to the determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease, we are now in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers," he said."I'm sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society."Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher warned against complacency, saying "lower risk does not mean no risk".He added that "the need for stringent, mandatory biosecurity measures are still of paramount importance to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry."I would urge all bird keepers to continue to implement the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ as they have been doing."
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