Organisers of the Balmoral Show have announced that there will be no poultry classes at this years event due to bird flu restrictions. Poultry classes returned to the show last year for the first time since 2019.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society said that the section of the show would be axed due to uncertainty of when any ban on bird gatherings may be lifted.
Poultry in Northern Ireland are currently under a housing order meaning that they must be kept in doors or seperate from other wild birds.
Yesterday, DAERA confirmed that the virus is present at a commercial poultry farm in Dungannon where 64,000 birds were culled following a suspected case. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone remain in place around the farm.
This is not the first time that the poultry classes have been cancelled as in 2023, a display of birds was held when the housing order was lifted too close to the show for classes to be included.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Agricultural Society said: "The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is disappointed to announce that there will be no poultry classes at this year’s Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank taking place from 14th to 17th May 2025.
"This decision has been taken due to the uncertainty of when any ban on bird gatherings may be lifted.
"Show organisers plan to host a small display of birds from the same flock during the four days of the Show alongside the popular egg and decorated egg classes."
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English (United States) ·