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Ballycastle firm fighting bird flu virus secures GBP600,000 in equity finance

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 5:32 GMT by The Irish News
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Ballycastle Poultry Company Secures £600,000 Equity Investment to Overcome Bird Flu Outbreak

Ballycastle, Northern Ireland – A local poultry producer that has been at the forefront of the region’s food supply chain has secured a substantial equity investment of £600,000, enabling it to navigate the latest outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu that has rattled the industry. The funding, announced by the company’s managing director on Tuesday, is expected to fund critical bio‑security upgrades, vaccination programs, and a rapid rebuilding of its flock after the culling of several thousand birds.

The outbreak began in late September when a farm in County Antrim tested positive for H5N1. Public Health England and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) worked in tandem to contain the virus, ultimately culling an estimated 6,500 birds across three premises. Ballycastle Poultry, which processes and supplies meat to supermarkets and restaurants across the UK and Ireland, was one of the farms that suffered losses. The company’s CEO, Michael O'Connor, described the event as “a devastating blow to our workforce, suppliers and customers.”

“We have lost a sizeable portion of our flock and have had to shut down part of our processing line while the virus is eradicated,” O’Connor said. “The equity capital we have secured will allow us to implement state‑of‑the‑art bio‑security protocols, re‑stock our herds with vaccinated stock, and bring our processing line back to full capacity faster than would otherwise be possible.”

The investment comes from a consortium of local investors, including the Regional Investment Trust and a private equity firm that specialises in agri‑food ventures. The consortium’s spokesperson, Aileen McGowan, said the decision was driven by a belief in the long‑term resilience of the company and the importance of maintaining a reliable supply of poultry products.

“Our goal is to support a business that has been a cornerstone of the Ballycastle economy for decades,” McGowan said. “By providing equity financing, we are not just injecting cash; we are putting our faith in the company’s strategic plan to emerge stronger from this crisis.”

The €600,000 equity injection will be allocated across several priority areas:

1. Bio‑security Upgrades – The company plans to install an advanced air‑filtration system, reinforce fencing, and add a dedicated de‑contamination zone for all staff and transport vehicles. This will bring its facilities up to the standards recommended by the European Union for high‑risk poultry farms.

2. Vaccination and Testing – A substantial portion of the funds will be used to procure a new batch of H5N1 vaccines and to contract a third‑party laboratory for routine viral screening. This will help prevent future outbreaks and ensure rapid detection.

3. Rebuilding the Flock – The company will purchase 4,000 new, vaccinated chickens from a certified breeder, with a portion of the capital earmarked for a contingency reserve should the virus recur.

4. Operational Resilience – The funding will also support the development of a digital traceability platform, allowing the company to monitor flock health in real time and streamline communication with suppliers and customers.

In addition to the equity financing, Ballycastle Poultry will receive a grant of £150,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs under its “Disease Outbreak Recovery” scheme. DAERA’s spokesperson, Karen McDonnell, highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting the industry.

“Given the severity of the bird flu outbreak, we are committed to providing the financial tools necessary for our producers to recover and strengthen their operations,” McDonnell said. “The grant will complement private investment and help maintain food security for the region.”

The company’s supply chain partners have responded positively to the development. A spokesperson from the National Meat Federation, which represents the interests of producers across the UK, praised the swift response of Ballycastle Poultry.

“Maintaining continuity in the supply of safe, high‑quality poultry is vital for the industry,” the spokesperson said. “The equity capital secured by Ballycastle is a clear sign that the business remains a trusted partner for retailers and consumers alike.”

Ballycastle’s community has also rallied behind the company. Local council leader, Councillor Fiona Harkin, emphasized the social and economic impact of the outbreak.

“This is more than an economic issue,” Harkin said. “It’s about protecting the livelihoods of thousands of families, preserving the heritage of our agricultural practices, and ensuring that our consumers can trust the food they bring home.”

The company’s CEO confirmed that the farm will be fully operational within eight weeks of the investment being allocated, with a projected return on investment for the equity partners within twelve months.

“Equity financing is not just a financial instrument; it is a partnership that underscores shared responsibility,” O’Connor added. “We are grateful for the support of our investors and the confidence they place in our vision for the future.”

Industry analysts predict that Ballycastle’s investment in modern bio‑security and disease management will serve as a blueprint for other farms in the region. With the H5N1 virus still present in some parts of the UK, experts stress the importance of proactive measures to safeguard both animal health and consumer confidence.

The equity investment represents a significant step in the recovery of the local poultry sector and demonstrates how public and private stakeholders can collaborate to overcome biological crises. As the company moves forward with its plans, it sets a precedent for resilience and innovation in an industry that faces continual threats from disease, market volatility, and regulatory change.