Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm implements new mandatory ‘housing order’ from today (Monday 29 November) to protect its award winning poultry and waterfowl flock from bird flu.
In accordance with regulations, the ABC Council facility will now keep its poultry and waterfowl collections in a safe and secure internal yard as well as continuing to follow its biosecurity and existing disease control measures.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“Following mandatory guidance to prevent the spread of bird flu, Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm’s poultry and waterfowl flock will no longer be on show in the poultry pens, aviary or pond area from today. We will continue to follow all appropriate and practical biosecurity measures to protect the farm’s beloved birds.”
Coming into effect from today, this mandatory measure forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which was introduced across Northern Ireland on Wednesday 17 November 2021.
Helping protect Northern Ireland’s poultry flock from this highly infectious disease, the AIPZ and housing order places a legal requirement on all local bird keepers to keep their birds indoors or separate from wild birds, and follow strict biosecurity measures.
The Department’s directive follows a substantial increase in bird flu cases across Great Britain, one case in County Monaghan and a confirmed a case in two wild birds in Northern Ireland last week.
Further information
DAERA is encouraging local poultry and captive bird keepers to attend its ‘Protect Your Flock’ webinar taking place this Wednesday 1 December at 7.30pm. Organised in conjunction with CAFRE, the online event aims to heighten awareness of the importance of good biosecurity, focusing on the hobby flock sector.
