Feighcullen farmer Billy Gray joined Hannah Kelly on this morning’s Kildare Today to discuss the impact the bird flu outbreak has had on his flock.
A local farmer has described how farmers are under “mental stress that can’t be underestimated” as bird flu spreads across the country.
Video: Feighcullen Facebook
A compulsory housing order is now in place for all poultry and captive birds.
It follows confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza on turkey farms in Meath, Carlow and Monaghan.
Image: Feighcullen Website
Feighcullen farmer Billy Gray spoke to Kildare Today about the impact on his flock.
He’s been in the business for almost 20 years and keeps 7,000 turkeys.
“It’s a massive worry,” he said.
Feed for his birds comes from Northern Ireland, and every delivery van is sprayed down.
He said strict biosecurity is the rule now.
But the biggest strain, he says, is on the birds themselves.
“They’re animals,” he said. “They’re not used to being locked in. They’ve had to adapt.”
Gray believes most outbreaks start when infected wild birds come into contact with commercial flocks.
“Ninety percent of it is sick birds meeting healthy ones,” he said. “The rest is human contact.”
Image: Feighcullen Website
Gray supplies around 80 butchers, shops and restaurants - all depending on him for their Christmas turkeys.
He says the wider problem is Ireland’s lack of self-sufficiency.
“We import too much,” he said. “People need to support local.”
Gray employs nine people between full-time and part-time roles.
“It’s a family effort,” he said. “We’ve built it together.”
His said for now, farmers will remain vigilant.
“This could close down businesses for weeks,” he warned.
He said his focus for now is sticking "to the protocols".
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