Urgent concerns as suspected HPAI identified near Omagh
A suspected case of notifiable highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh in County Tyrone. Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirmed that disease control measures have been implemented in response to the detection of clinical signs and preliminary laboratory results. The incident underscores the ongoing threat avian diseases pose to both commercial flocks and backyard poultry across the region.
What happens next: authorities put controls in place
Following the identification of a suspect incursion, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and DAERA say precautionary steps are being taken to prevent onward spread. If HPAI is officially confirmed, the existing measures will evolve from temporary controls to more formal zones: a 3km protection zone (PZ) around the affected site and a 10km surveillance zone to monitor neighboring flocks and wild bird activity.
A key immediate action was the humane culling of all poultry on the affected premises. This is a standard response designed to eradicate the source of infection and reduce the risk of wider transmission in the surrounding area. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the seriousness of the event and urged all bird owners, from hobbyists with a few birds to large commercial flocks, to maintain stringent biosecurity practices.
Biosecurity and reporting: protecting flocks across the region
DAERA officials stress that robust biosecurity remains the frontline defense against avian diseases. Minister Muir and the CVO urged flock owners to review and strengthen measures, including controlled access to poultry housing, disinfection routines, and careful management of feed and water sources. Officials also reminded the public that reporting dead wild birds — such as waterfowl or gulls — through the DAERA online tool is critical for early detection and response.
Samples from the infected site have been sent to the national reference laboratory to confirm the HPAI strain and its pathogenicity. The speed of testing informs how quickly authorities can adjust zones and restrictions to balance disease control with the realities of poultry farming in the region.
Historical context and ongoing risk in Northern Ireland
This incident follows a period earlier this year when authorities carried out culling and sanitation actions at other premises in Magherafelt, Cookstown, Pomeroy, and Stewartstown as avian influenza cases were confirmed. In response, DAERA introduced an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) that established compulsory biosecurity controls on poultry flocks to mitigate risk. Although those measures were lifted later, the threat of HPAI remains a constant concern for the sector.
What the public and poultry owners should know
For backyard poultry keepers and commercial operators alike, vigilance is essential. Any sudden drop in egg production, facial swelling in birds, coughing, nasal discharge, or sudden deaths should be reported to DAERA immediately. Early reporting can trigger swift investigations, containment steps, and protective zoning that reduces the chance of a broader outbreak. The current situation near Omagh is a reminder that bird health is a shared responsibility, spanning farmers, suppliers, and consumers.
Looking ahead: monitoring, communication, and resilience
As investigations continue, authorities will monitor wild bird populations and farmed flocks in the surrounding area. Transparent communication with farmers and the public helps maintain trust and ensures that responses are proportionate and scientifically guided. The goal remains clear: protect animal health, safeguard the food chain, and minimize disruption to the livelihoods of those who work in Northern Ireland’s poultry industry.
