By Cillian Sherlock, PA
Preliminary findings of bird flu have caused the introduction of a captive bird temporary control zone (CBTCZ) in Co Derry.
The North’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said the 3km zone around a nature reserve in Magherafelt followed results of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a “small number of captive birds”.
The premises is now closed to the public and the chief veterinary officer has put in place a range of immediate restrictions around the site, including the culling of the remaining captive birds.
The CBTCZ places restrictions on all poultry and captive bird keepers within the 3km area around the affected premises.
Investigators are trying to determine the likely source of the infection and will also conduct surveillance on poultry and other premises within…