DAERA: New bird flu outbreak confirmed in Co. Tyrone flock

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) within a flock in Co. Tyrone.

A Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) has been established around the poultry premises near Omagh, which was put in place from 5.00p.m yesterday (Wednesday, February 4).

The chief veterinary officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher said the decision to enforce the TCZ was based on a number of factors, including the clinical signs and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

An order to humanely cull all poultry on site was also made by the CVO as a precautionary measure to mitigate onward disease spread.

Control measures

The TCZ is comprised of two zones, TCZ-A and TCZ-B, which span 3km and 10km respectively.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for the whole of NI remains in place since it was introduced in early November last year.

All poultry farmers and bird keepers are legally required to house their flock or captive birds and follow strict biosecurity measures under these AIPZ requirements.

Additionally, a ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans); and poultry is also in force.

UK

This recent detection marks the fifth bird flu outbreak in Northern Ireland since October 2025, which brings the overall UK-wide total to 97 this outbreak season.

The UK government announced today (Thursday, March 5) that vaccine trials to tackle the disease have begun.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), annual bird flu outbreaks cost the government and industry up to £174m each year.

Defra’s Minister for Biosecurity, Baroness Hayman said: “We know what a terrible toll this disease has annually on our farmers and poultry sector.

“The start of new vaccine trials are a significant step forward in our fight against this disease and will contribute to global research efforts.

“We are hopeful vaccines can be used in the UK as an additional tool to control bird flu to protect the UK’s biosecurity and food supply,” she added.

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