The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Deara) in Northern Ireland has mandated that all bird keepers must keep their birds indoors starting from Monday. This measure is being implemented to prevent the spread of bird flu among avian populations. The directive applies to owners of pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard flocks, and hobby flocks, who are required to house their birds indoors or separate them from wild birds.
In response to suspected cases of avian flu at a commercial poultry premises in County Tyrone, approximately 64,000 birds are set to be culled. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the importance of safeguarding the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland, which plays a significant role in the local economy, valued at over £600 million. Muir also noted that similar precautions are being taken in the Republic of Ireland to protect the industry in both jurisdictions from the threat of bird flu.
Chief veterinary officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, has urged flock keepers to enhance biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of avian influenza transmission. The order to keep birds indoors is anticipated to be in effect for up to eight weeks. Following a positive test for bird flu in captive birds at a nature reserve near Magherafelt, restrictions were implemented, including the closure of the premises and the humane culling of remaining birds.
In the wake of an outbreak of bird flu in October 2021, which was described as the largest in the region, restrictions in Northern Ireland were lifted in April 2023. However, strict biosecurity protocols have remained in place as a preventive measure. In December 2024, the virus resurfaced with the detection of a wild buzzard in County Galway, marking the first confirmed case in Ireland since September 2023. The recent culling of birds in County Tyrone was deemed a precautionary step by Minister Muir following suspected cases of avian flu
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