The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that it is hosting a webinar in order to provide an update on the bluetongue virus (BTV-3).
According to DAERA, the session will be held on Tuesday, August 12 between 7:00p.m and 9:00p.m, and is open to all.
Department officials from the Veterinary Service and Animal Health Group will provide information on BTV-3, including the outbreaks in the European Union and in Britain, as well as surveillance, agreed disease control response and vaccination.
Representatives from the Animal and Plant Health Agency will also discuss their experiences in dealing with BTV outbreaks across England.
DAERA said that the session will conclude with an opportunity to put questions to the panel of experts.
A recording of the webinar will be made available on the DAERA website for those unable to attend.
DAERA
Separately, last week (August 1), DAERA urged all poultry and bird across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza (bird flu).
Recently, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a small backyard flock in Co. Donegal and in flocks across six locations in England.
In all cases, birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.
DAERA said that these findings “highlight the persistent and serious threat” posed by bird flu to both commercial and backyard flocks.
The department reminded all bird keepers, regardless of the size or type of flock, to remain alert and take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of infection, particularly from wild birds.
Recent weeks have also seen multiple cases of bird flu detected in wild birds, particularly in coastal regions of Ireland and Great Britain.
One confirmed case has been reported in a wild bird found in Co. Down.
DAERA has emphasised the critical importance of strict biosecurity in preventing the introduction and spread of the disease.
