Background: Avian Influenza Concerns Rise
The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Poultry Committee has stepped up calls for a mandatory housing order for poultry as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Avian Influenza (AI) threat. Following confirmed AI cases in County Tyrone and nearby Fermanagh in recent days, livestock stakeholders warn that the risk to commercial and backyard flocks is escalating. A housing order would require poultry to be kept indoors or under controlled shelter, reducing contact with wild birds and limiting disease transmission.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can devastate flocks and disrupt rural livelihoods. While the disease can be monitored and managed, prevailing conditions—seasonal migration of wild birds, damp weather, and high poultry density—can accelerate spread. The committee argues that proactive housing orders are a prudent step to protect farms, livelihoods, and the broader supply chain.
What a Housing Order Entails
A housing order would mandate that all poultry — including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and gamebirds kept for farming or hobby purposes — remain indoors or in secure, weatherproof housing during defined periods. The order typically includes guidelines for ventilation, lighting, feeding, water access, and biosecurity measures to minimize stress and maintain welfare while indoors. It would also set enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance to ensure consistent adoption across regions.
Experts emphasize that such orders are not punitive; they are a targeted containment strategy designed to lower the risk of AI spreading from wild birds to domestic flocks. Contained housing helps reduce droppings, wet surfaces, and cross-contamination pathways that AI can exploit. By limiting movement and contact with wild waterfowl and migratory species, farms can retain more control over disease dynamics and supply continuity.
Why Now? The Timing and Economic Stakes
The appeal for immediate action comes as AI detections in Tyrone and Fermanagh highlight a narrowing window to prevent larger outbreaks. The poultry sector has already faced economic pressures—from feed costs to fluctuating market demand—and a significant AI incident could trigger culling, trade restrictions, and increased welfare costs. The IFA argues that a housing order, while potentially disruptive for some producers in the short term, offers long-term stability by preventing widespread losses and protecting export markets.
Farmers are encouraged to prepare by reviewing housing viability, ensuring adequate space, improving ventilation without creating drafts, and stocking with a ration and water system that minimizes waste. Biosecurity remains essential: dedicated clothing and footwear for poultry areas, controlled access, clean litter, and strict disinfection routines between flocks can complement housing measures.
Biosecurity and Alternative Measures
Alongside calls for a housing order, the IFA emphasizes robust on-farm biosecurity as a critical barrier to AI. Practices include keeping wild birds out of poultry housing, using netting on open runs, secure feed storage, and regular health surveillance. Vaccination and culling policies, when applicable, should be guided by veterinary authorities to balance animal welfare with disease control goals.
Regional authorities may also consider other targeted steps, such as monitoring waterfowl hotspots, restricting bird movement from high-risk zones, and enhancing reporting channels for suspected AI cases. Farmers are urged to stay informed through official channels to ensure swift compliance with any new regulations or advisories.
What Producers Should Do Now
1) Review current housing capacity and plan for contingency indoor space that meets welfare standards. 2) Strengthen biosecurity protocols and staff training. 3) Maintain up-to-date contact with veterinary services and submit any suspicious symptoms or mortalities for prompt testing. 4) Prepare for potential financial support or compensation schemes that may accompany disease-control measures. 5) Stay informed about government guidance and any impending housing orders to minimize disruption and maximize protection of flocks.
Conclusion: Balancing Welfare, Economy, and Disease Control
As Avian Influenza continues to pose an evolving risk, a housing order represents a proactive tool to shield poultry flocks from devastating outcomes. The IFA Poultry Committee’s call reflects a broader industry imperative: safeguard animal health while maintaining farm viability and national food security. By combining housing, disciplined biosecurity, and active collaboration with veterinary authorities, the sector can navigate this challenging period with resilience.
