To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the steps his Department is taking to address the outbreak of infectious laryngotracheitis, which has infected 250,000 birds in Northern Ireland.

19 cases of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) have been reported to DAERA since 4 May with approximately 270,000 birds present in the affected flocks. The last outbreak of the disease in Northern Ireland (NI) was in 2013.

ILT is a notifiable disease in NI and in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) but is not considered as notifiable in Great Britain (GB) or the European Union (EU). There are no public health concerns with ILT. It cannot pass from poultry to humans and in any event, there are strict ante-mortem inspection controls which require all animals and poultry to be confirmed as healthy before slaughter for human consumption.

ILT is an endemic production disease for which industry has traditionally taken responsibility with regards to control and eradication. The Department will however, as part of its long standing policy, support and advise industry, but does not plan, at this stage, to take any direct action or impose restrictions on the affected flocks. Affected flocks (and their products) are however not eligible for export to the European Union or other export markets

Given that, and as the disease cuts across all sectors of the poultry industry, the Department’s veterinary officials are facilitating ongoing discussions with industry to encourage collaborative working so that mitigations to reduce and prevent disease spread can be implemented. Officials have consulted with key industry representatives and are meeting weekly with poultry stakeholders providing epidemiological support, guidance and technical advice.

DAERA is also continuing to raise awareness of ILT and the risks of spread. Key messages, particularly around the need for excellent biosecurity, have been highlighted by the Department through communication channels such as the DAERA website, social media platforms and our text alert service.

Poultry keepers are also being advised to keep litter trailers covered and store litter for as long as practically possible before spreading as litter has been identified as a key risk factor in the spread of infection.

Officials will keep the situation under review in partnership with industry stakeholders, affected flock keepers and through cooperation with our colleagues in GB and the RoI. DAERA will continue to provide the necessary support and advice to industry in order to prevent any further spread of the disease.