§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment his Department has made of the reasons behind the recent outbreaks of Newcastle disease; and if he will make a statement. [13608]
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 31 January 1997]: An outbreak of Newcastle disease was confirmed on 7 February 1997 in a broiler production unit near Lurgan, Co. Armagh.
Epidemiological investigation is currently under way in an attempt to establish the source of the outbreak.
The last outbreak of Newcastle disease in Northern Ireland occurred in August 1996, involved one flock and was most likely due to wild birds gaining access to the poultry house.