Member's statement: Avian Influenza: Mid Ulster

Member's statement by Mr Keith Buchanan on 24 February 2025.

MLA: Mr Keith Buchanan
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 24 February 2025
Type: Member's statement
Business: Members' Statements
Heading: Avian Influenza: Mid Ulster
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4813383

Text

I am concerned about the rise of avian influenza in Mid Ulster. Last week, 64,000 birds were culled at a commercial poultry farm near Dungannon, and over the weekend, we learned that almost 16,000 birds will be culled at a site near Pomeroy. The spread of avian flu should be taken very seriously. The poultry industry in Northern Ireland is important. It generates over £600 million for the economy and employs a great number of people. If avian flu spreads further in Northern Ireland, it will impact not only on our economy but on the livelihoods of those who work in that industry. I read that the Balmoral show organisers have announced that there will be no poultry competitions this year. That is the wise thing to do in the current circumstances. I echo the words of the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Minister Muir, in imploring all bird owners, be they commercial or domestic, to:
"adhere to stringent biosecurity measures ... and report any suspicious cases immediately."

170 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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