Bird Keepers in Northern Ireland Ordered to Keep Birds Indoors to Prevent Avian Flu Spread

In a bold move to prevent the spread of avian flu, all bird keepers in Northern Ireland are required to house their birds indoors starting Monday. This directive, issued by the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Daera), applies to pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and hobby flocks. The purpose of this measure is to ensure these birds remain separate from wild birds, minimizing the risk of transmission.

On Saturday, Daera announced that approximately 64,000 birds were to be culled in County Tyrone following a positive test result for avian flu at a commercial poultry farm. This decision to keep birds indoors was made before the culling was announced, showcasing the proactive approach taken by authorities.

Alongside this regulation, authorities have implemented a ban on various bird gatherings. Daera’s swift action highlights the significance of the avian flu outbreak and its potential impact on the region’s economy.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the critical nature of these measures, stating that Northern Ireland relies heavily on its agri-food industry, which contributes over £600 million to the economy. The poultry and egg production sector is especially vital, and safeguarding it from avian flu is of utmost importance.

Minister Muir welcomed similar measures in the Republic of Ireland, recognizing the shared responsibility between both jurisdictions in protecting their agricultural industries.

Muir also stated that the positive test result in County Tyrone served as a “wake-up call,” though at the time, no other cases had been reported beyond that specific farm.

The agricultural minister noted that while there would be support for farmers whose birds were culled, there were no plans to compensate them for lost income. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and the need to act swiftly.

With regards to public health, Minister Muir stated that there was no cause for concern, and he encouraged the public to report any symptoms of avian flu to the Department of Agriculture.

Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, advised that the indoor housing directive could last for up to eight weeks, during which time he emphasized the importance of enhancing biosecurity measures. A biosecurity checklist is available on the Daera website to assist bird owners.

The current directive follows a preliminary positive result for avian flu in a small number of captive birds at a nature reserve outside Magherafelt. After testing, the premises was closed to the public, and remaining captive birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.

Restrictions in Northern Ireland related to bird flu were lifted in April 2023, following an extensive outbreak that began in October 2021. At the time, it was described as the largest ever in these islands. Nonetheless, strict biosecurity protocols remained in place.

More recently, in December 2024, the highly contagious virus was detected in a dead wild buzzard in County Galway, marking the first confirmed case in Ireland since September 2023.

In response to the latest suspected outbreak in County Tyrone, the decision to cull birds was described as a precautionary measure by Minister Muir.

Glen Cuddy, deputy president of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU), expressed concern about the directive. Speaking on Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster, Cuddy stated that widespread avian flu could decimate Northern Ireland’s poultry industry.

He encouraged all bird owners to house their birds and ensure they have no access to wildlife. While the number of birds culled in County Tyrone was small in the broader context, it posed a significant threat to that specific farm.

Cuddy also noted that the housing order was issued on Wednesday, February 12, but was not implemented until Monday, February 17, expressing confusion over the delay. He did not anticipate immediate impacts on supermarket availability, but warned that further culls could affect supply.

The ongoing avian flu situation underscores the importance of strict biosecurity measures and proactive government intervention. As the spread is closely monitored, farmers and the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms to the Department of Agriculture.

Stay informed and support local farmers during this challenging time. Your actions can make a difference in preventing the spread of avian flu and protecting the livelihoods and food security of Northern Ireland.

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