Other News In Brief

DAERA Lift Avian Influenza Restrictions

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the housing measures which were introduced in November 2022 to help stop the spread of avian influenza will be lifted on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and will be allowed to be kept outside. However, the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in force for all birds and all poultry gatherings remain banned.

Those who intend to allow their birds outside after 18 April are advised to use the upcoming days to prepare their outside areas for the release of their birds. This will include cleansing and disinfection of hard surfaces, fencing off ponds or standing water and reintroduction of wild bird deterrents.

Excellent biosecurity remains the best defence for reducing the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds and it is vital that this remains a regular and instinctive part of all bird-keepers routines. More information on biosecurity and a self-assessment tool to aid flock keepers in the review of their biosecurity arrangements.

Alliance Welcomes News Of GP Surgery Saviour

Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed the news that a Ballymena GP practice has been saved from closure.

The Kells and Connor Medical Practice, which has around 4,000 patients, had its future thrown into doubt after its contractor said it was resigning its contract from April 30. However, Dalriada Urgent Care has now agreed to take it over.

"This news has come as a relief, not least to the many patients who have contacted me recently expressing concern," said Ms Mulholland.

"They were worried about many things, including repeat scripts, ongoing medical conditions and prenatal care. They will be comforted to see the situation resolved without any changes needed to their routines but it is also regrettable the undue stress this will have caused patients across the wider Ballymena area.

"I will be meeting the British Medical Association and Royal College of GPs soon to discuss this matter. It is vital we continue the conversations about the capacity of our local healthcare provisions to provide the service people need.

"This shows once again how urgent restoration of the Assembly and Executive is, to enable us to discuss long-term strategic interventions to rebuild our health service."

Veterinary Medicine Not Authorised For Use In UK Seized

DAERA has seized a package of veterinary medicine not authorised to be used in the UK.

The package had been shipped from the US to an address in County Antrim and was identified as containing veterinary medicine by a courier company based at a Belfast depot. The parcel contained Medistatin, a product intended for use in pigeons and cagebirds. The package was not accompanied by any relevant certification to permit its import.

The medicine was seized under Regulation 25 (Importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.