Potential supply shortages if avian flu continues to spread, says UFU

Glenn Cuddy from the Ulster Farmers’ Union believes that order could have been implemented sooner and said the loss of flocks will have a “big hit” on affected farmers.

“Unfortunately we are where we are,” he said.

“The farmers will get some compensation for whatever birds they’ve lost, but at the end of the day there’ll be no production on the farms for maybe six to eight months before they get back and going again.

“As for the wider public, it will have a hit if this keeps on going; there’ll be a shortage of eggs or a shortage of poultry meat.”

Divisional Veterinary Officer Ignatius McKeown said it was unsurprising that two instances of the virus had been reported in quick succession and in the same area.

“We were aware that the disease is circulating in wild birds, so that means that all poultry premises are potentially at risk.

“And that is why we’ve extended the biosecurity rules across Northern Ireland so that everybody is aware that they are at a potential risk.”

Bird gatherings have also been banned.

Uncertainty about how long that ban will last has led to the cancellation of poultry competitions at this year’s Balmoral Show.

When bird flu is suspected at a farm, the entire flock is culled and any eggs are destroyed.

Preliminary test results are confirmed with further testing at the National Reference Laboratory in Weybridge and the EU’s equivalent facility in Italy.

A testing and monitoring regime is put in place when the farm is restocked, and there are strict controls about when any trade may recommence.