My Department has been quick to take action in light of the suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak near Omagh, Co. Tyrone. This includes close engagement with Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, convening a meeting between my Department and poultry industry stakeholders, and issuing a technical update bulletin to stakeholders on avian influenza. My Department continues to closely monitor the situation.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable if a cull of those animals is directed by my Department in the event of an outbreak of HPAI. The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or similar item that is destroyed in relation to the outbreak. The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item. My Department has procured through a tender process the services of a firm with specialised knowledge of the poultry industry to compile poultry valuation tables to assist with calculating compensation rates, should the need for such compensation arise. The timeframe for compensation payment is contingent on the provision of supporting documentation regarding the culled animals.
Ireland is currently in the higher risk period (October to April) for the introduction of avian influenza. I urge flock owners to observe strict biosecurity as this remains the number one method in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease, and to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their flocks, and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Regional Veterinary Office. All poultry holdings should be registered with my Department, regardless of size.
Additional information avian influenza can be found on the Government website: www.gov.ie/birdflu
