There have been warnings of a possible bird flu epidemic after swans which tested positive for the disease were found dead near a Co Tyrone lough.
It is understood around 30 dead swans were scattered on the land, attracting foxes and other vermin.
DUP councillor Frances Burton said farmers and residents expressed genuine fear of scavenger foxes, which could spread the disease after the dead whopper swans tested positive for Avian Influenza.
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir was asked whether his department will remove the dead wild birds at the Caledon lake.
In an answer to an Assembly question, he said: “DAERA’s primary function in respect of avian influenza (AI) is the detection and response... it is not involved in control of the disease in wild species.
“DAERA collects dead wild birds for AI surveillance purposes and once AI has been detected in a specific area, further testing is not required and therefore, not all birds will be collected... The routine collection of dead wild birds and their disposal, if deemed necessary, rests with the landowner.”
Councillor Burton said this has sparked fear in the community.
“The community was just left to deal with it. Once DEARA found out the bird flu was there, they washed their hands of the whole issue. If they don’t want an epidemic on their hands, they’ve gone completely against any measures to prevent it,” the Cloghey Valley councillor said.
“The farmer has nothing to do with the swans; doesn’t own them, doesn’t want them on his land either. This issue was handed over and off loaded on to the farmer, and I feel it is very, very unfair.
“DEARA is the one who makes rules for everything in relation to this, and I honestly just think they’ve took the easy way out here and left it to the farmer. It’s nothing to do with them ... here were birds that died in the water… As far as I am aware they were just left there.”
“Farmers are stressed out. They don’t want this flu coming to their hen houses. There are so many chicken houses in this area. My son has a hen house, and the stress those boys go through trying to protect what is there. They have invested so much money and time into them, previously taking extreme measures during foot and mouth disease… The department should do more.”
DAERA does not own Enagh Lough, but it manages it as a regulated fishery.
DAERA added in the answer: “DEARA officials remain available to provide advice and guidance as required.”
