Urgent call for a housing order as Avian Influenza threats grow
The IFA Poultry Committee has renewed its call for a government housing order to shelter poultry flocks from Avian Influenza (AI) after confirmed cases emerged in County Tyrone and nearby areas in recent days. With the risk of further spread increasing, industry leaders say a housing order is a practical, evidence-based measure to protect livelihoods and national poultry supplies.
Avian Influenza poses a serious challenge to farmers, not only through direct losses but also through market volatility, trade restrictions, and heightened biosecurity requirements. The current situation underscores the need for clear, enforceable guidelines that reduce contact between wild birds and domestic flocks, especially in regions where confirmed cases have occurred or are likely to arise.
What a housing order would entail
A housing order typically requires poultry stock to be kept indoors or within enclosed facilities during high-risk periods. This includes layers, broilers, turkeys, and other susceptible birds, and can apply to both commercial farms and smaller household flocks under certain conditions. The aim is to limit exposure to wild birds, contaminated water sources, and shared equipment. While the specifics can vary, a well-designed order balances animal welfare, economic realities, and the need to prevent disease transmission.
Why the timing matters
Recent detections in Tyrone and Fermanagh highlight the highly contagious nature of AI and its potential to jump between flocks with minimal direct contact. The IFA argues that proactive housing is a precautionary approach that buys time for farms to implement enhanced biosecurity measures, plan contingency marketing strategies, and coordinate with veterinary services for testing and stamping out procedures if needed.
What this means for farmers and the sector
For producers, a housing order would come with operational considerations, including feeder and water management, ventilation controls, litter handling, and ensuring animal welfare within confined spaces. Farmers may need to adjust staffing, modify daily routines, and invest in equipment upgrades such as temperature control, pest-proofing, and secure storage for feed. The long-term goal is to minimize stress on birds while keeping production on a steady footing.
Industry bodies emphasize that the measure should be complemented by precise compensation frameworks, clear testing protocols, and swift communication channels so that farmers are not left uncertain about when restrictions will be eased or extended. Transparent guidelines can help farmers plan, access support, and maintain consumer confidence in poultry products.
Biosecurity as a key pillar
Even with a housing order, robust biosecurity remains essential. The latest guidance focuses on limiting interaction with wild birds, disinfecting clothing and footwear, restricting visitor access, and maintaining clean water sources. Farmers should review perimeter fencing, bird-proofing ventilations, and quarantine procedures for new stock. Routine cleaning and disinfection of equipment, shared vehicles, and egg handling areas are critical steps to reduce the risk of AI entering a flock.
What customers and the public should know
Public messaging around Avian Influenza can influence consumer behavior and market stability. Officials stress that AI is a disease primarily affecting birds, and measures like housing orders are designed to protect animal health and food security. Producers are encouraged to keep customers informed about any temporary disruptions and to adhere to official guidance for safe handling and storage of poultry products during periods of elevated risk.
Looking ahead: planning and support
The IFA and other farming groups are calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to implement a housing order quickly, accompanied by a clear timeline for lifting restrictions when risk declines. They also advocate for financial and technical support, including subsidized equipment upgrades, biosecurity audits, and access to rapid testing services to mitigate losses and support swift recovery.
Conclusion
As Avian Influenza continues to challenge poultry producers in Tyrone and Fermanagh, a housing order represents a pragmatic response to limit transmission, protect flocks, and shore up supply chains. When paired with rigorous biosecurity, transparent requirements, and farmer support, this approach can help sustain the sector through an evolving disease landscape.
