IFA calls for poultry housing order following bird flu cases

A poultry housing order has been called for by the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) following two cases of bird flu in commercial flocks in Northern Ireland in recent days.

Flocks in both Fermanagh and Tyrone tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza in the past week, as well as an outbreak in captive birds in Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park in recent weeks, which continues to keep the attraction shut.

IFA poultry chair Nigel Sweetnam said his committee is urging the Department of Agriculture to introduce a housing order for poultry following the increasing risk of spread.

Both Sweetnam and poultry committee vice-chair Brendan Soden described the development in recent days as a worrying escalation that poses a serious threat to poultry flocks, particularly in closely located border areas.

Meeting

Sweetnam said a stakeholder meeting was held on Tuesday morning, where it was outlined that while wild birds continue to be reported dead and testing is under way, the Department noted the risk protocol has changed and the geographical spread across Europe is much wider than previous years.

“While Minister [for Agriculture] Martin Heydon rightly introduced enhanced biosecurity regulations last Sunday, the risk level has clearly intensified.

“Additional protective measures, including a housing order, should now be strongly considered to minimise the risk of disease spread and the Department is closely assessing the situation,” said Sweetnam.

'Clear call'

Soden said at the meeting held by the Department and the National Disease Control Centre (NDCC), there was a clear call for a housing order to be implemented to protect the welfare of the poultry flocks.

“The decision to convene this meeting is welcome, but the urgency of the threat requires that we move decisively and take the critical next steps to safeguard our poultry flocks,” Soden said.

The IFA national poultry committee stated it will continue to work closely with the Department and stakeholders to ensure that risk mitigation and practical supports remain a top priority in the days ahead.

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.