Why are NI's free range poultry flocks still locked up?

Last Friday saw Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer Robert Huey roll over the AI restrictions, introduced four months ago, which prevent poultry flocks from having any access to the outdoors.

This was two days after his counterpart in the Republic of Ireland repealed all of the AI control measures that had been put in place within that jurisdiction. So why should there be this difference in approach, given that diseases like Bird Flu do not respect geographical borders?

For most broiler chicken and egg producers, the AI controls made very little practical difference: they keep their birds in all of the time. But it is a big issue for free range egg and poultrymeat producers. My understanding is that after twelve weeks of total confinement, free range hens lose this coveted status. I am not sure if the same time frame operates, where free range broilers are concerned.

It was interesting to note that the press release accompanying the decision made in Dublin made particular reference to the plight of free range poultry farmers, in the wake of the most recent AI scare. It specifically points out that the relaxation in the AI control measures will allow free range flocks to regain their status for the purposes of marketing free range eggs and poultry meat.

In total contrast, Robert Huey’s most recent press statement makes no reference at all to the continuing challenges that face free range poultry farmers here in Northern Ireland. No doubt, Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer has sound reasons for taking last Friday’s decision.

But I was genuinely surprised at the response issued by the Ulster Farmers, which seemed to totally acquiesce with the views expressed by Huey without flagging up the challenge this will pose for its free range poultry producer members!