Urgent case prompts swift disease-control actions in Co Tyrone
A suspected case of notifiable highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh in County Tyrone. The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said disease-control measures have been put in place to prevent potential spread while tests are completed.
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is conducting confirmatory testing, with samples sent to the national reference laboratory to determine the strain and pathogenicity of the virus. In the interim, public health risk remains low, but the policy response is designed to protect other flocks and wildlife from infection.
What happens next: culling and temporary control zones
As a precautionary measure, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Brian Dooher has authorised immediate disease-control steps. This includes humane culling of all poultry on the affected site and the establishment of a temporary control zone (TCZ) to limit movement and minimize spread. If, after official confirmation, HPAI is confirmed, authorities will replace the TCZ with a three-kilometre protection zone (PZ) and a 10-kilometre surveillance zone to monitor for any further cases and protect other birds in the region.
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasised the gravity of the situation, urging all bird owners to uphold stringent biosecurity practices. He noted that HPAI can emerge quickly and that vigilance from backyard hobbyists to commercial producers is vital to preventing a wider outbreak.
Biosecurity: a shared responsibility for all bird owners
The minister and CVO have repeatedly called on flock owners to maintain high biosecurity standards. This includes restricting visitors to poultry houses, implementing clean entry and exit procedures for equipment and personnel, and promptly reporting any unusual symptoms in birds—for example reduced activity, ruffled feathers, sudden deaths, or neurological signs.
Daera’s immediate containment strategy is a reminder that early reporting remains the best defense against avian influenza. If disease is confirmed, the three-kilometre PZ and the larger surveillance zone help ensure that any spillover risks to other flocks or wild birds are quickly identified and managed.
Public involvement and reporting channels
Authorities are encouraging the public to report dead waterfowl or clusters of dead birds via the Daera online reporting tool. Early detection in wild birds can provide additional signals about the virus’s presence in the environment, enabling swifter responses to protect both wildlife and domestic poultry.
DAERA has a history of proactive responses to avian influenza outbreaks in Northern Ireland, including earlier culling campaigns and enforced biosecurity measures across various towns. These actions underscore a national commitment to preventing the spread of HPAI while supporting farmers and bird owners through clear guidelines and rapid testing.
Looking ahead: what this means for Tyrone and beyond
While the initial results are pending confirmation, the precautionary approach demonstrates the balance authorities seek between protecting livelihoods and safeguarding animal health. For the poultry industry, the incident reinforces the ongoing need for strict biosecurity, clean farm practices, and transparent reporting channels. For the public, it’s a reminder to be mindful of interactions with birds and to report any suspicious cases promptly.
