Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Northern Ireland: Protecting Poultry and Public Health

A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. This outbreak underscores the ongoing risk to poultry populations and the importance of stringent biosecurity measures. Whereas the current case does not pose a direct threat to poultry in the Republic of Ireland, vigilance and adherence to biosecurity protocols are crucial for all flock keepers.

Recent Developments and Control Measures

The initial suspect case was reported on October 3, 2025, with preliminary results suggesting the presence of HPAI. Following confirmation by the UK National Reference Laboratory in Weybridge, England, on March 12, 2026, Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) established on March 4, 2026, have been replaced with 3km Protection Zones (PZs) and 10km Surveillance Zones (SZs), effective March 11, 2026. RTÉ reports these zones are designed to contain the spread of the virus.

As a precautionary measure, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has ordered the humane culling of all poultry on the affected premises. DAERA emphasizes that this swift action is vital to mitigate further disease spread.

Understanding Avian Influenza and its Spread

Avian influenza is primarily introduced to Ireland and the UK through migrating wild birds, typically arriving between October and April. These birds often congregate in wetlands and can transmit the virus to resident wild birds and, subsequently, to poultry flocks. Agriland highlights that the housing order significantly reduces the risk of transmission from wild birds.

However, the housing order alone is insufficient. The virus can also spread through contaminated feed, water, bedding, vehicles and equipment. It can be carried by people on clothing and footwear.

Essential Biosecurity Measures for All Flock Keepers

All bird owners – from backyard hobbyists to large-scale commercial operations – must adhere to strict biosecurity measures, as outlined in S.I No 520/2025 Avian Influenza (Biosecurity Measures) Regulations 2025. Key measures include:

• Housing Order: All birds must be confined to a house or shed. If housing is not possible, birds should be corralled in a covered pen with mesh or wire to prevent contact with wild birds.
• Visitor Control: Limit visitors to the poultry site. Essential visitors must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including disposable boot covers, coveralls, gloves, a hair net, and a face mask. PPE should be left on-site. Maintain a detailed visitor log.
• Hygiene and Disinfection: Regularly disinfect vehicles and equipment entering or used on the farm. Use foot dips at entry and exit points with an avian influenza-approved disinfectant. Provide handwashing facilities with antibacterial soap and hot water.
• Dedicated Clothing and Footwear: Use separate clothing and footwear for each species on the farm to prevent cross-contamination.
• Waste Management: Keep the area surrounding the poultry unit clean and tidy. Remove feed spillages and prevent stagnant water.
• Pest Control: Maintain building integrity and address any damage that could allow vermin access. Monitor rodent control points.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all bird and produce movements, including quantity, description, date, destination, and consignee information.

Recognizing the Signs of Avian Influenza

Poultry keepers should be vigilant for the following clinical signs of HPAI:

• Swollen head
• Blue discoloration of the head, comb, and wattles
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing (gaping beak, coughing, sneezing)
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced egg production or watery egg whites
• Increased mortality

Reporting Suspected Cases

Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. If you suspect avian influenza in your birds, you must immediately notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the Avian Influenza Hotline on 01 607 2512 (9am-6pm). Outside of office hours, call the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026.

Food Safety

The disease poses no food safety risk to consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, remain safe to eat.