A national biosecurity webinar will be held amid cases of avian influenza H5N1 (commonly known as bird flu) tomorrow (Tuesday, February 25) by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA).

The webinar is being hosted by IFA poultry chair Nigel Sweetnam at 7:30p.m to discuss how the sector is dealing with the threat of bird flu following a confirmed case near Dungannon, Co. Tyrone and a suspected case near Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has also confirmed the presence of a case of avian influenza in a captive bird premises near Magherafelt, Co. Derry.

The suspected signs of an outbreak were detected on February 3 and a captive bird temporary control zone was applied around the holding on February 7.

Sweetnam said that the online event will address the "significant biosecurity challenges" facing the sector, with a particular focus on the heightened risk from bird flu.

"Over the weekend, we saw another case in a layer flock in Northern Ireland. It's crucial that we do everything to remain vigilant and adhere to the most stringent biosecurity measures," Sweetnam said.

The main speaker for the event will be Aonghus Lane, of St. David's Poultry veterinary practitioners, who will deliver an in-depth presentation on the critical importance of biosecurity.

Attendees will be invited to engage in a question and answer session which will allow poultry producers to engage with Aonghus Lane and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Those interested can register for the event via the IFA website.

“I believe that maintaining rigorous protocols is essential to safeguarding the health of our flocks. I encourage all poultry farmers, keepers and the wider sector to take the time to join us for this critical presentation and discussion," Sweetnam said.

Since early December, there have been five detections of bird flu infection in wild birds in Ireland. A compulsory housing order is currently in place for poultry and captive birds.