The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is responding to a suspected outbreak at a commercial poultry site near Pomeroy, affecting around 16,000 birds.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland is currently investigating a suspected case of notifiable avian influenza at a commercial poultry premises located near Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. Preliminary test results have indicated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting approximately 16,000 birds on the site.
In response to the initial findings, DAERA has instituted Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in the vicinity to help curb the potential spread of the virus. All poultry at the affected premises will be humanely culled as part of the containment measures.
The decision to implement these precautions was made by Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, after a thorough assessment that included observing clinical signs in the birds and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, confirmed that the suspect case was reported on Saturday, 22 February, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He stated, “A further suspect case of notifiable avian influenza was reported on Saturday 22 February at a commercial poultry premises with nearly 16,000 birds. Preliminary results suggesting HPAI. This suspected incursion following the recently confirmed case in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, reinforces that we cannot afford to be complacent.” Muir emphasised the necessity for bird owners to adhere strictly to biosecurity measures and report any unusual cases promptly.
CVO Brian Dooher reiterated the importance of these disease control measures, urging all bird keepers, whether they are operating commercially or maintaining backyard flocks, to uphold high standards of biosecurity. “I urge all bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, to maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have been implemented to control this devastating disease,” said Dooher.
Comprehensive information regarding the scope of the TCZs and the necessary measures has been made available on the DAERA website. The outbreak comes at a sensitive time as authorities actively monitor and manage the risks associated with avian influenza across the region.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/suspect-case-notifiable-avian-flu-found-commercial-poultry-premises-county-tyrone – This URL corroborates the involvement of DAERA in investigating avian influenza cases and implementing disease control measures, including Temporary Control Zones and biosecurity measures.
- https://www.tyronecourier.co.uk/home/2025/02/18/news/cull-of-64-000-birds-following-bird-flu-fear-in-tyrone-56065/ – This article supports the recent actions taken against avian influenza in Northern Ireland, including culling birds and establishing control zones.
- https://assets.gov.ie/317593/4504c863-d502-459e-9da3-f4c58d631cf4.pdf – This PDF provides an update on avian influenza in Ireland and Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of biosecurity measures and surveillance.
- https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/avian-influenza – This webpage likely contains comprehensive information about avian influenza in Northern Ireland, including control measures and biosecurity advice, although it was not directly available in the search results.
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu – This UK government webpage provides general guidance on avian influenza, including symptoms, control measures, and biosecurity advice, which supports the broader context of the article.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions a recent event dated February 22, indicating it is current and not recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from Minister Andrew Muir and CVO Brian Dooher are included, but no earlier references to these specific quotes were found online, suggesting they might be original.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable regional news outlet in Northern Ireland.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about avian flu outbreaks and control measures are plausible and consistent with typical responses to such incidents.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh, with no indications of being outdated or recycled. Quotes are likely original, and the source is reliable. The plausibility of the claims is high, given the context of avian flu management.
