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NFU poultry board chair, James Mottershead said AI vaccination programme for birds need to be safe to give consumers the confidence to continue eating poultry products, and must not disrupt exports

The NFU plea coincides with the first suspected bird flu outbreak of the season in Northern Ireland, which was recorded among a commercial flock in Co Tyrone

Defra has also announced new housing measures in York, North Yorkshire and Shropshire

The UK Health and Security Agency said the individual had close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds

Bird keepers in Wales are urged to 'remain vigilant' and report any signs or suspicion of avian influenza immediately

It is now a legal requirement for all birdkeepers within the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) to follow ‘strict biosecurity measures' to help protect their flocks, of whatever type or size

The supermarket has also introduced new stocking density requirements for its fresh chickens, aimed at improving their quality life

UK traders will now be able to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years

The project, led by APHA, will collect and analyse samples from a range of bird and mammal populations to better understand how the virus behaves

Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi, said: "We have been able to hit our 100% cage-free target more than a year early."