Tens of thousands of birds culled at County Tyrone poultry farm after suspected bird flu case

Suspected Bird Flu Outbreak in Northern Ireland: 64,000 Birds Culled as Precaution

A suspected case of bird flu has led to the culling of 64,000 birds at a commercial poultry farm in Northern Ireland. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was notified of the potential outbreak on Friday, prompting immediate action to contain the situation. Located in Dungannon, County Tyrone, the farm has seen all its birds culled as a precautionary measure. This decision was made by Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, to prevent any potential spread of the disease.

Temporary Control Zone Established, Samples Sent for Testing

In addition to the culling of birds, a temporary control zone (TCZ) has been implemented around the affected farm. This measure is designed to restrict the movement of birds and related products, minimizing the risk of the disease spreading to other areas. Samples from the farm have been sent to a laboratory for testing to confirm whether the outbreak is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The results of these tests will determine the next steps in managing the situation.

Increased Protection Measures if Bird Flu is Confirmed

If the test results confirm the presence of HPAI, protection measures will be intensified to further safeguard against the spread of the disease. Brian Dooher emphasized the importance of disease control measures and urged all bird owners, including backyard hobbyists and commercial farmers, to take necessary precautions to protect their flocks. He also stressed the need for vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious cases to DAERA.

Recent Cases Highlight the Need for Vigilance

The suspected outbreak in Dungannon follows a recently confirmed case of HPAI at a captive bird premises near Magherafelt. Stormont’s minister of agriculture, environment, and rural affairs, Andrew Muir, highlighted that these incidents demonstrate the importance of remaining vigilant and not becoming complacent. He emphasized that all bird owners must adhere to strict biosecurity measures to protect their birds and prevent further spread of the disease.

Biosecurity Orders in Place Across Northern Ireland

Since January 18, a legal order has been in place in Northern Ireland requiring all bird keepers, including farmers and pet owners, to follow strict biosecurity measures. These measures include enhancing hygiene practices, restricting access to birds, and ensuring that feed and water are protected from wild birds. Additionally, a nationwide order mandating that all kept birds and poultry be housed indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds came into effect just after midnight. This order is designed to reduce the risk of transmission from wild birds, which have already been linked to several confirmed cases of HPAI in Northern Ireland.

The Broader Context and What’s Next

The suspected outbreak in Dungannon and the recent confirmed cases highlight the ongoing threat of bird flu in Northern Ireland. While the immediate response has focused on containment and prevention, the situation underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among all stakeholders, including bird owners, farmers, and authorities. As the situation develops, further updates and guidance are expected from DAERA and other relevant agencies. For now, the focus remains on protecting bird populations, preventing the spread of the disease, and ensuring public health is not at risk.