Watch the Weather warns Nicholson as Bird Flu spreads west through the EU
Speaking as 4 EU Member States have confirmed outbreaks of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has appealed for the public, Government and industry to stay on guard for any signs of bird flu spreading to Northern Ireland and warned that we must watch the weather in the weeks ahead as migratory birds travel North.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said,
“Given the seriousness of the situation in some Member States we must all maintain a high degree of vigilance in the coming weeks. Early detection and maintaining bio – security will be the key to reducing the spread and extent of the disease should it reach Northern Ireland.
“While no one wishes to stoke unnecessary fears, the latest outbreak, brings the threat ever – closer to these shores. Watching the weather in continental Europe will be crucial in the weeks ahead. If it stays cold then migratory birds, who could be potentially carrying the disease may move westward increasing the chances of the disease spreading.
“The trans-national nature of bird flu means Member States across the European Union must work together to ensure that the effects of avian flu are minimised.
“In the coming weeks and months it is vital that the European Union creates its own stockpiles of anti-viral medicines so that outbreaks in lesser-prepared countries can be contained without other member states relinquishing their own stockpiles. In fact, just yesterday the EU’s Standing Committee approved a £1.3 million handout to EU governments to help pay for early warning surveillance programmes to help combat the spread of bird flu.”
Mr Nicholson continued,
“If an outbreak of Avian Flu were to break out in Northern Ireland it would spell disaster for the Province’s poultry industry, which is of immense importance to Northern Ireland and we must never forget the potential public health implications.
“Lead government departments must keep their risk assessment and Avian Influenza contingency plans under constant review and updated as further information becomes available and should consider establishing a special cross departmental unit to deal with the Province’s response to any outbreak.”