Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what precautions has he taken to control the spread of avian flu among hens in the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland; if he is in consultation with the authorities in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomley[holding answer 17 October 1989]: The Republic of Ireland authorities have taken precautions necessary to deal with the risk of spread from the two outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry in Co. Monaghan.
Poultry and their products may not be moved from the restricted area in the Republic of Ireland without a licence. They are not eligible for export to Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has imposed movement restrictions in the Northern Ireland territory which falls within 10 km of the outbreaks in the Republic of Ireland. The necessary amendments have been made to Northern Ireland specific import licences for live poultry and hatching eggs to prevent the introduction of disease.
The Department of Agriculture, Dublin, has kept us fully informed of the nature and virulence of the outbreaks and the eradication measures taken.
Northern Ireland veterinary and animal health officials have remained in close contact.
The situation is being kept under continuous review.