To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the availability of compensation, and any application process involved, for poultry farmers who have suffered losses or culls as a result of the latest outbreak of avian influenza.

The Disease of Animals (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (the Order) provides that DAERA will pay compensation at current market value for all birds culled due to avian influenza (AI), at the Department’s direction.

The total amount of compensation due is derived from the value of the birds, as set out in valuation tables provided by the Agriculture Development and Advisory Service (ADAS), and the number of birds slaughtered.

Compensation is only payable under the Order for birds culled at the Department’s direction; compensation is not paid for consequential losses resulting from other disease control measures. However the Department also covers the expenses associated with the cleaning and disinfection of infected premises.

There is no requirement for the flock keeper to apply for compensation, as the assessment of loss and subsequent processing for payment is part of the standard procedure followed by staff carrying out any such depopulation.