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A case of bird flu has been detected in a swan in Co Derry. The H5N8 strain of the virus was confirmed after testing on the dead bird found at Lough Beg.
Northern Ireland veterinary director Robert Huey said the discovery was not a surprise, given recent cases in Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
He urged poultry business owners to intensify biosecurity precautions to prevent the disease from entering their flocks.
The public health risk from the H5N8 strain of bird flu is classified as very low, with a very low food safety risk, but the virus would have a significant adverse impact on the industry if detected in commercial poultry operations.
Dr Huey said: “This detection in Northern Ireland is not surprising as two recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in poultry in Great Britain.
“There have also been three confirmed cases of H5N8 in wild birds in England and a hawk in Co Limerick has tested positive in recent days.”
Dr Huey said the risk to poultry in Northern Ireland was “moderate”. He said biosecurity levels at individual sites were a crucial mitigating factor.
“Veterinary officials continue to monitor the situation in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland and in consultation with stakeholders will determine the next steps necessary to mitigate an outbreak of avian influenza in poultry here,” he said.
“If avian influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the overall economy.”
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