How does the threat of Avian Influenza affect access to the countryside

How would access be affected if Avian Influenza were to be found in Northern Ireland?

As we do not have Avian Influenza, excluding the public from this land is not necessary. Poultry keepers do not need to restrict access to land where their flocks roam.

It is sensible biosecurity practice that, as far as possible, access to poultry flocks should be limited, and visitors and vehicles kept away from poultry buildings and their pastures where poultry are kept in large numbers. Only essential visitors should have access to these areas and should make sure that they carry out biosecurity procedures both before and after contact with poultry farms and birds. This is because disease can be spread indirectly through contaminated clothing, footwear and vehicles where birds are confined in small areas. However, it is unlikely that contamination can be spread by walkers using fields where free range poultry are kept.
Visitors must not give food to any farm animals or birds or leave food anywhere where they may get access to it.

In the event of an outbreak of Avian Influenza, access to the countryside will not be restricted in the way that it was at times during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. In fact, there would be little need to restrict access to land by closing footpaths or other rights of way, or land to which there is a general right of access.
If an outbreak were to be in an intensive indoor unit, no closure of any land or footpaths or any other restriction is likely to be needed. If there were an outbreak of Avian Influenza in free range holdings there would be a case by case assessment.

If there is an outbreak of Avian Influenza in wild bird populations in NI, access to the countryside will not be restricted in the way that it was at times during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. Any action to restrict access would be considered on a case by case basis.

If there is an outbreak of Avian Influenza in NI there would be no need for people to automatically reduce their visits to the countryside. The vast majority of visitor attractions in rural areas would be unaffected.

Feeding birds remains safe, but it is sensible to wash your hands thoroughly after filling or cleaning bird feeders or feeding pigeons or ducks. You are advised not to let birds feed out of your hands, and again, to wash your hands thoroughly if you come into contact with bird droppings, especially before eating or drinking. Children should be closely supervised in parks with waterfowl to ensure they don't transfer infected material to their faces. You should avoid direct contact with wild ducks/swans and particularly if they are ill or dead.

In the absence of disease in this country there is absolutely no need for any such events to be restricted, postponed or cancelled. They should go ahead as planned.

In the absence of disease in this country there is absolutely no need for any such events to be restricted, postponed or cancelled. The exception is gatherings of birds, which need to take place under general licence (see Q&As on bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings).

If there is an outbreak of the disease, we envisage few, if any, restrictions on recreational or sporting activities, including use of rights of way or walking on land with a right of access. We would, however, expect organisers to adopt good biosecurity measures. There is current DARD biosecurity guidance for all owners of livestock and anybody who comes into contact with or visits premises with farm animals.