To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) what advice his Department (a) has issued; and (b) is planning to issue to minimise the risk of future outbreaks of avian flu in Northern Ireland this year; and (ii) what other steps he is taking to minimise the risk of outbreaks in 2023.

My Department has regularly issued numerous communications on the need for farmers to ensure good biosecurity and protect their flocks from an avian influenza (AI) incursion. Following our most recently confirmed case of an AI incursion at Castle Espie, County Down, we have increased our targeted engagement on this matter with direct meetings with stakeholders and an increase in our departmental messaging, again, highlighting the need for excellent biosecurity measures to protect the Northern Ireland (NI) flock. Recent communications have also focused on my announcement of the introduction of an Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) which came into effect here on Monday 17 October 2022.

We will continue to meet as necessary with stakeholders and continue to promote key messages on various media platforms in the higher risk winter months ahead, in the hope it assists to minimise the risk of any further incursions in NI.