Bird Flu Forces Cull of 20,000 Chickens in County Tyrone
County Tyrone, Northern Ireland - A suspected outbreak of avian influenza has triggered the culling of approximately 20,000 chickens at a commercial poultry premises, authorities confirmed today. the Department of Agriculture, Surroundings and Rural Affairs (Daera) is responding to the incident, which began with a rapid increase in bird deaths at the site.
The outbreak underscores the ongoing threat of avian flu to Northern Ireland’s poultry industry and prompts renewed calls for heightened biosecurity measures. Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher urged all bird owners, both commercial and backyard, to prioritize flock health. “the disease control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease and I appeal to all bird owners to take all necessary steps to protect your flock,” he said. “This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to Daera promptly.”
Daera veterinary officer Ignatius McKeown explained that initial concerns were raised due to “increasing mortality” within one of the site’s three houses. The affected house initially held 7,000 birds, with deaths rising from three on one day to 20 the following day. After samples were taken for testing, the number of fatalities climbed to over 300.
Despite the infection being confined to a single house, officials have ordered a full cull of all 20,000 birds on the premises to prevent further spread. Owners are advised to report any suspected cases of avian flu to Daera via their website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/suspect-case-notifiable-avian-flu-found-commercial-poultry-premises-co-tyrone. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting various bird species and can have severe consequences for poultry farms and wild bird populations.
