Thousands of birds to be culled after suspected avian flu

A suspected case of avian flu is under investigation at a commercial poultry premises in County Tyrone.

Almost 16,000 birds at the site near Pomeroy will be culled.

Temporary Control Zones have been established around premises, placing restrictions on the movement of poultry, captive birds and poultry products.

It comes after around 64,000 birds were culled at a commercial poultry farm near Dungannon a week ago.

That was the first incursion of the disease into a commercial setting since December 2021.

The poultry industry in Northern Ireland is worth £0.6 billion to the economy here.

All owned flocks in Northern Ireland, whether commercial, captive or backyard hobby birds, are currently under a housing order to try to prevent the disease affecting the sector.

The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said preliminary tests at the Pomeroy farm on Saturday indicated the presence of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza strain H5N1.

“This suspected incursion following the recently confirmed case in Dungannon, County Tyrone, reinforces that we cannot afford to be complacent,” he said.

“It is imperative that all bird owners adhere to stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flock and report any suspicious cases immediately.”

The Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher urged all owners to “fully comply” with all the requirements that have been implemented to try to control the disease.

On Friday, the organisers of the Balmoral Show announced that there would be no poultry competitions this year, amid concern that the housing order may not be lifted in time to allow them to happen.

Instead, a small display of birds from a single flock will be held as part of the Show.