Thousands of birds to be culled in northern Ireland over suspected bird flu case
By patricklewis // 2025-11-04
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  • Mass culling is underway in County Tyrone after a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected at a commercial poultry site near Pomeroy, with officials stressing the move is a precautionary measure.
  • Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that early test results indicated possible HPAI presence, prompting strict disease control steps, including restrictions on bird and egg movement and increased surveillance in surrounding areas.
  • Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said the culling decision was based on clinical signs and early test data, urging farmers to maintain strict biosecurity and immediately report any suspected cases to DAERA.
  • Experts continue to warn about bird flu's persistence, noting that mass culling has done little to stop outbreaks or prevent mutations, while a JAMA Network Open study suggests H5N1 may already spread silently among humans through asymptomatic infections.
  • Officials stress vigilance and transparency, emphasizing that the public health risk remains very low, but urging farmers to strengthen hygiene practices and limit bird movements to help prevent further spread.
Mass culling of poultry is set to take place in County Tyrone following a suspected outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. The culling will occur at a commercial poultry site near Pomeroy after officials identified what they described as a "suspect case" of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the measure is being carried out as a precautionary step while awaiting full laboratory confirmation. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, bird flu in poultry is a serious concern due to its potential to mutate into a pandemic strain, posing a threat to human health. The use of factory farming methods, which concentrate large numbers of birds in close proximity, exacerbates the risk of disease spread and mutation. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said the suspected case was reported on Nov. 1, with early test results suggesting the possible presence of HPAI. "Disease control measures are being introduced as a precautionary measure," he stated, stressing that swift action was vital to minimize any potential spread. The response includes restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs and related materials from the affected premises, as well as enhanced surveillance in the surrounding area. Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said the decision to cull was made after reviewing several factors, including the clinical signs observed in the flock and preliminary test results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). "These control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease," he explained. "It is of the utmost importance that poultry owners maintain high levels of biosecurity and report any suspect cases of avian flu to DAERA immediately."

Experts warn of ongoing bird flu risks as new study suggests H5N1 may spread silently among humans

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has sought to reassure the public, emphasizing that avian influenza is primarily a disease affecting birds and that the risk to human health remains very low. However, the ongoing recurrence of bird flu outbreaks across the U.K. and Europe continues to cause concern for farmers and the poultry industry. Despite repeated mass culling efforts over recent years, experts note that such measures have been largely ineffective in halting the virus's spread or preventing new mutations from emerging. Adding to growing concern, a new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that the H5N1 strain of avian influenza—one of the most severe types—may already be spreading among humans, often without symptoms. Researchers identified 18 asymptomatic human H5N1 infections across 10 separate reports, with two confirmed through both molecular and serologic testing. "Given ongoing H5N1 outbreaks in animals, understanding the frequency of asymptomatic infections is essential to inform public health risk assessments and infection prevention guidance," the study's authors wrote. Since 1997, over 1,000 human cases of H5N1 have been reported worldwide, most resulting from direct contact with infected birds. While the virus rarely spreads between humans, health experts warn that continued mutations could increase that risk over time. As the investigation in County Tyrone continues, officials are urging poultry farmers to remain alert, enhance hygiene practices and minimize bird movement. DAERA has reiterated its commitment to transparency and early communication as it works to contain the suspected outbreak and protect both public and animal health. Watch this Fox News report on how egg prices, driven upward by bird flu, have impacted American meals.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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