Housing order issued for all poultry over bird flu spread

Several confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 have been discovered in wild birds in Galway, Dublin, Donegal, Westmeath and Wexford in recent weeks. 

The Department of Agriculture has made a "housing order" for all birds and poultry due to a number of confirmed cases of bird flu in wild birds across Ireland.

This housing order means all bird keepers have a legal requirement, whether commercial, backyard or hobby flocks, to confine all poultry or captive birds in a secure building or keep them separate from all other birds.

In addition, a ban on the gathering of poultry and captive birds also comes into force under this regulation to protect the birds themselves from the risk of becoming infected.

The measures from the Department of Agriculture are in addition to the current avian influenza biosecurity measures in place since December 6.

Several confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) have been discovered in wild birds in Galway, Dublin, Donegal, Westmeath and Wexford in recent weeks. 

Cases of HPAI H5N1 have also been confirmed in wild birds across Northern Ireland near Moyle, Dungannon, Lisburn, Derry and Magherafelt. 

On Saturday, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland initiated disease control measures due to a suspected case of HPAI H5N1 reported in a commercial poultry premises in Co Tyrone.

The Irish Farmers' Association national poultry committee welcomed the housing order. “Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon’s decision to enforce this measure strengthens our national response to the escalating risk of the disease, which has already led to the suspected infection of 64,000 layer hens in Northern Ireland over the weekend,” IFA poultry chair Nigel Sweetnam said.

Culling of 64,000 birds

Agriculture minister for Northern Ireland Andrew Muir said their control measures would include the humane culling of the 64,000 birds on-site and the introduction of temporary control zones.

Since January 18, Northern Ireland has applied an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, which requires all bird keepers to adhere by law to strict biosecurity measures. Its Department of  Agriculture also implemented a housing order this week.

The virus is currently well-facilitated in the colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours experienced during this time of year. The geographical spread of confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1 indicates widespread circulation of the virus among wild bird populations.

Currently, wild bird faeces are the major source of HPAI H5N1 for poultry and captive birds. Ensuring flocks are housed appropriately during this precautionary confinement period will help prevent the spread of the virus to commercial flocks as well as reduce the risk of direct exposure from wild bird faeces, officials said.

The Department of Agriculture said biosecurity measures should also be in place alongside the housing order to eliminate as much risk as possible of the spread of the virus. 

This would include preventing access of vermin, wild birds or any other animals inside the flock housing, footwear disinfection stations at all exit and entrance points for staff, limiting access to the premises to essential personnel only, ensuring all biosecurity protocols are followed by all personnel entering and leaving the premises in regard to dedicated or disposable clothing, footwear and appropriate handwashing.

The housing order also applies to “back yard” poultry flocks and other captive birds other than poultry such as birds of prey or pigeons kept for breeding or racing. The department advises bird keepers to ensure their flock has appropriate housing or to construct or adapt pens or buildings to provide temporary housing during the regulation period.

Additional reporting PA