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Culling of turkeys on the farm began on Monday and was continuing today, with the flock numbering some 15,000 birds. Earlier this week a turkey farmer from Randalstown, John Galloway, told the News Letter that the escalating number of outbreaks in poultry farms across Northern Ireland are "very concerning" for turkey farmers like him in the run up to Christmas. Already this season suspected outbreaks have been detected in poultry farms in Omagh and Pomeroy, leading to the cull of some 20,000 and 16,000 birds respectively. A Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) was established around the Lisnaskea farm from 3pm on Monday. Specific biosecurity measures are now in place for up to 10km around the outbreak. The disease is not classed as being a threat to humans. Following the latest case, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has directed poultry farmers across Northern Ireland to bring all flocks indoors to prevent infected wild birds mixing with them. The order comes into force on Thursday and legally applies to all bird keepers, including owners of pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard and hobby flocks. Chief Veterinary Officer for NI, Brian Dooher said: “I am urging all flock keepers to please take action now to improve biosecurity so as to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds. “Anyone who keeps birds and poultry, not just those in the commercial sector, will now have a legal obligation to adhere to the housing order requirements, which are there to protect your flock. Incursions of avian influenza have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy." Randalstown turkey farmer John Galloway told the News Letter this week that, like many others, he has been preparing his flock of 12,000 turkeys for six months for Christmas, with heavy investments in food and heating. Even farmers with the best biosecurity measures have fallen victim in recent times, he said. So far as he was aware there is minimal compensation for any turkey farm infected with bird flu and commercial insurance to cover the risk is prohibitively expensive. The DAERA order also includes a ban on the gatherings of birds such as pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and swans. Similar measures are also being implemented in the Republic of Ireland. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said bringing all poultry indoors will help protect the industry across the island for the rest of the flu season. "This decision will mean that all poultry and captive bird keepers must keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds,” he said. He added: “Northern Ireland relies heavily on the agri-food industry as a source of employment. Poultry and egg production contributes significantly to the economy, valued at over £600 million, and it is vital that we do all we can to support industry efforts to keep HPAI out.” DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP called on DAERA to introduce a mandatory housing order on Monday, noting the “enormous economic and strategic importance” of the industry.
