A 50% rise in gulpins in Tyrone over the last two years has been linked with those who received at least one vaccination, an Omagh scientist with over six years experience with working in a pharmacy has claimed.

Tyrone gulpins were an endangered species during the early part of the 21st century, with most families only having one or two full-blown gulpins within the extended family at any given period. This was in stark contrast to the 1960s-1980s when there were over 4000 gulpins running around the county, some holding high positions in society.

However, the number of gulpins have officially doubled since 2021, with primary schools being forced to identify gulpins from an early age and putting in measures to curtail the spread.

Dr Leo Garland, an expert in Gulpinism, explained:

“It’s them vaccinations.”

The majority of the gulpins appear to be along the county border townlands. Donaghmore have confirmed their first gulpin since 1977.

Derry have also reported a rise in gulpins this year although they’ve always had a high level since the 1800s.