Minister Muir announces lifting of avian housing order in Northern Ireland

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that the compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds are to be lifted across Northern Ireland from 12:00 noon on Saturday 10 May 2025.

In conjunction with the decision to lift the housing order in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland will lift their mandatory housing requirement at the same time.

The housing measures were introduced across Northern Ireland on 17 February 2025 as one of the key measures to stop the spread of Avian Influenza (AI) and has been a vital tool in protecting flocks across the country.

Minister Muir said: “This will be welcome news for poultry keepers across Northern Ireland who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe.  The last confirmed case in poultry here was in late February and I want to thank the engagement and cooperation from those poultry farmers who have suffered an incursion of disease this year.

"With the relaxation of housing requirements my message remains the same to all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands – that they must continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on premises so that we do not lose the progress that we have made.”

All flock keepers including backyard and hobby keepers are encouraged to use the next week to prepare their ranges so that birds can be let outside again. Guidance on steps to take before letting birds outside is available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/biosecurity-and-preventing-welfare-impacts-poultry-and-captive-birds.

Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, has noted: “The risk of an AI incursion in Northern Ireland has been kept under close review by the Department.  These reviews have considered all the available evidence and have included ongoing and recent engagement with both stakeholders and colleagues in the Republic of Ireland, to determine the most appropriate time to reduce the current protective measures in place.”

The ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry will remain in place as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) which places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in Northern Ireland to follow strict biosecurity measures. 

Notes to editors:

1. Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must report it to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or to their local Divisional Veterinary Office: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices.
2. A copy of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) declaration in force is available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/disease-control-zone-declarations.
3. The ban on gatherings includes galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry. Further information, including a copy of a General Licence for what bird gatherings can take place under the AIPZ is available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings.
4. There were three outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 confirmed in commercial premises in Northern Ireland during February 2025. In addition, there was one confirmed case of HPAI H5N1 in a captive bird premises.  There have been no further cases since 28 February 2025 and there are currently no suspect cases.
5. There are now over 60 cases of HPAI H5N1 in England primarily along the East Coast and two in Scotland.
6. There have been no cases to date in the Republic of Ireland.  In conjunction with the decision to lift the housing order in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland will lift their mandatory housing requirement at the same time.
7. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advice notes that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
8. The Public Health Agency advice notes that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low. For more information, please visit the PHA Website: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-public-health/health-protection/avian-influenza-0.
9. All poultry and other birds must be registered with DAERA. The application form is available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/bird-registration-form.
10. More information about Avian Influenza - including biosecurity guidance - is available on the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/clinical-signs-biosecurity-checklist-and-guidance.
11. Members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, using the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-dead-wild-bird-online-reporting-tool.
12. DAERA encourages all bird keepers to sign up to the text alert service.  This will allow you to receive immediate notification of any important disease information.  Text BIRDS OPT IN to 07860 098 672.  Texts sent to 07860 098 672 may be charged at your standard mobile network rate. There is no charge to receive text messages from this service. If you wish to be removed from this service, please text BIRDS OPT OUT to stop getting text messages.