Tighter Biosecurity Controls Needed After Suspected Case of Avian Flu in NI

The Chair of the IFA Poultry Committee Nigel Sweetnam is urging all poultry producers both commercial and backyard keepers to exercise maximum vigilance and tighten biosecurity measures following confirmation of a suspected case of notifiable avian influenza on a commercial poultry premises near Omagh, Co. Tyrone.

It was announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on Sunday.

As a precaution, disease control measures including the humane culling of all birds on site and the establishment of Temporary Control Zones (3 km and 10 km) have been implemented to contain any potential spread.

“Our thoughts are with the farmers impacted by this suspected case. It’s an incredibly tough blow, especially so early in the season. We must do everything possible to keep this disease away from our doors. The threat is real, not just to flocks, but to our livelihoods and to the mental wellbeing of farm families,” said Nigel Sweetnam.

“While the control zones do not extend into the Republic of Ireland, this development serves as a serious reminder of the continued threat posed by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which remains present in wild and domestic bird populations across Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe Producers must redouble their efforts to prevent the introduction of avian influenza,” he said.

“Biosecurity is our first and most effective line of defence. Every movement onto your farm, every visitor, and every piece of equipment must be managed with the utmost care.”

Members of the public are reminded not to touch sick or dead wild birds and to report sightings using the AvianCheck App or via the Department of Agriculture’s website. Contact with bird carcasses, feathers, or droppings should be strictly avoided, and good hygiene practices should always be observed.

To support farmers in reviewing and improving their on-farm protections, a Biosecurity Webinar is available here. It provides practical guidance on reducing disease risks and safeguarding flocks and livelihoods.

“Everyone in the poultry sector — from large-scale producers to backyard keepers — has a part to play in keeping avian influenza out of our flocks. Vigilance and high biosecurity standards are essential to protect our sector.”