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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone announced for Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's first H5N1 case in two years was identified in a wild goose.
It follows the first notifiable cases in the country since 2023.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced in Northern Ireland, following the country’s first notifiable cases since 2023.

The AIPZ was enacted on Saturday, 18 January at 12.00pm after confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a wild bird.

Birdkeepers in Northern Ireland are now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures. The rules apply to all birdkeepers, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or a hobby flock.

The case was identified on Wednesday, 15 January in a wild goose, which was found in Black Lough, Dungannon, County Tyrone.

This was followed by two additional cases, reported on Friday, 17 January. These were also confirmed to be two wild birds: a buzzard near Moira and a whooper swan in Portballintrae.

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease and birdkeepers are required to report any suspected cases to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. If a member of the public finds a dead wild bird, they must report them on the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) says that the AIPZ is vital to protect Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry. It says that poultry and egg production contributes over £600m to Northern Ireland’s economy, and is an important source of employment.

The biosecurity requirements state that poultry should be provided with food and water to which wild birds have no access. There are also mandatory rules for cleansing and disinfection.

As well as following the biosecurity measures, DAERA requires that birdkeepers register flocks of all sizes with them. This means that they will be able to contact birdkeepers directly with communications and updates.

Brian Dooher, chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, said: “I would encourage all flock keepers, even if you keep just one bird, to improve biosecurity in order to prevent an incursion of the disease into our poultry flock.

“If avian influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.”

The AIPZ declaration can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.