Suspect case of avian flu detected at commercial poultry farm

A suspect case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified at a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, County Tyrone, prompting swift disease control measures by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The Department confirmed that the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, took the decision to initiate control protocols following the emergence of concerning clinical signs and preliminary test results from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Announcing the measures, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, said:

“A suspect case of notifiable Avian Influenza was reported on Saturday 01 November and initial results suggest the presence of HPAI. The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.”

Mr Muir urged vigilance across all levels of the poultry sector, adding:

“I call on all bird owners – from backyard hobbyists to commercial flock keepers with thousands of birds – to adhere to all biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher emphasised that the control steps were essential to prevent further transmission:

“The disease control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease and I must stress the utmost importance of ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to DAERA immediately.”

Full details of the Temporary Control Zones, including maps and restrictions, are available on the DAERA website at daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/disease-control-zone-declarations.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to assist in surveillance efforts by reporting dead waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks), gulls, or clusters of five or more dead wild birds of other species through the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool at daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-dead-wild-bird-online-reporting-tool.

Public Health and Food Safety

According to the Public Health Agency, avian influenza remains primarily a disease of birds, with the risk to human health described as very low.

The Food Standards Agency has also confirmed there is a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, advising that properly cooked poultry, eggs, and poultry products remain safe to eat.

Legal Obligation to Report Suspected Cases

Avian influenza is a notifiable disease under Northern Ireland law. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected must report it immediately to their local DAERA Direct Office.