UUP MEP glad to see DARD take Bird Flu Risk Seriously
Commenting on the appeal issued today by Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer for the public to help him combat the threat of avian flu this winter, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson said he is glad to see DARD are taking the threat posed by bird flu seriously and said that in the event of an outbreak of bird flu in Northern Ireland that public communication would be key to combating it’s spread.
“Information must be given to the public promptly, efficiently and in an easily accesible manner”, he said
Following the outbreak in April of bird flu in Scotland, Mr Nicholson wrote to the department of health seeking assurances over the Government’s state of preparedness for a bird flu pandemic and received a lengthy reply detailing the department’s work to date on the issue.
Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said,
“I very much welcome the response from the department and glad to see they are taking the issue seriously. In the coming weeks, as winter approaches, it is imperative that poultry farmers are aware of the flight paths that migratory birds will take so they can take simple precautions to protect their stocks. This winter will be the biggest test of the UK and EU’s preparedness.
“From a European perspective the proposals that went through the European Parliament last year allow Europe to respond more effectively if and when there is an outbreak here. Bird flu is no respecter of borders and as a result Member States across the European Union must work together to combat it.
“The poultry industry in Northern Ireland employs more than 10, 000 people and is of immense importance to the local economy. If an outbreak of Avian Flu were to occur in Northern Ireland it would spell disaster for the Province’s poultry industry.
“Significant steps have been taken at a European and domestic level but it is essential for Lead government departments to keep their risk assessment and Avian Influenza contingency plans under constant review and updated as further information becomes available.”