Mandatory Housing Measures for All Kept Birds and Poultry Are to
Come into Force Across Northern Ireland Ni) from 00:01 on
Thursday 06 November 2025.
This Is to Mitigate Against Any Incursion of Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza Hpai) into Our Domestic Poultry Sector and
Follows the Recent Suspect Cases of Avian Influenza at Two
Commercial Poultry Premises near Pomeroy and Lisnaskea.
The Housing Order, Implemented by the Department of Agriculture,
Environment and Rural Affairs Daera), Legally Requires All Bird
Keepers, Including Owners of Pet Birds, Commercial Flocks,
Backyard and Hobby Flocks, to Keep Their Birds Indoors or
Otherwise Separate from Wild Birds.This Measure Supplements the
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone Aipz) in Northern Ireland,
Introduced on 01 November 2025.
In Addition, a Ban on the Gatherings of Galliforme Including
Pheasants, Partridge, Quail, Chickens, Turkey, Guinea Fowl),
Anseriforme Including Ducks, Geese, Swans) and Poultry Will Be
Implemented in Conjunction with This Housing Order.
Similar Measures Are Also Being Implemented by the Department of
Agriculture, Food and Marine Dafm) in Ireland.
Announcing the Decision to Introduce a Housing
Order, Daera Minister Said:I Have Taken the
Decision to Introduce Housing Measures for All Poultry and
Captive Birds and a Ban on Certain Bird Gatherings and I Welcome
the Announcement That a Similar Order Is Coming into Effect in
Ireland. Officials Will Continue to Remain in Close Contact with
Counterparts in Roi.
This Will Help Ensure Industry Across Both Jurisdictions
Are Protected As Much As Possible As We Move Through the
Remainder of This Hpai Season. This Decision Will Mean That All
Poultry and Captive Bird Keepers Must Keep Their Birds Housed or
Otherwise Separate from Wild Birds.
This Strengthens Actions Taken by My Department to Ensure
Mandatory Biosecurity Measures Were Implemented, Since 1 November
2025.
Northern Ireland Relies Heavily on the Agri-food Industry
As a Source of Employment.Poultry and Egg Production Contributes
Significantly to the Economy, Valued at over £600 Million, and It
Is Vital That We Do All We Can to Support Industry Efforts to
Keep Hpai out.”
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Ni, Brian Dooher
Added: “I Am Urging All Flock Keepers to
Please Take Action Now to Improve Biosecurity so As to Reduce the
Risk of Transmission of Avian Influenza to Poultry or Other
Captive Birds.
Anyone Who Keeps Birds and Poultry, Not Just Those in the
Commercial Sector, Will Now Have a Legal Obligation to Adhere to
the Housing Order Requirements, Which Are There to Protect Your
Flock.Incursions of Avian Influenza Have a Significant and
Devastating Impact on Our Poultry Industry, International Trade,
and the Wider Economy.
I Would Encourage All Flock Keepers Including Backyard and Hobby
Keepers to Put in Place Measures to House Your Birds or Keep Them
Separate from Wild Birds from 00:01 on Thursday 06 November
2025.”
Daera Stresses the Mandatory Legislative Requirement That All
Keepers of Birds Except Keepers of Pet Birds Kept in the Owners
Home) Must Be Registered with Daera.If You Have Not Already Done
So, Please Download a Registration Form on the Daera
Website: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/bird-registration-form.
Avian Influenza Is a Notifiable Disease. Anyone Who Suspects an
Animal May Be Affected by a Notifiable Disease Must, by Law,
Report It to the Daera Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or Your Local
Daera Direct Office Immediately: Https://www.Daera-ni.Gov.Uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices.
Failure to Do so Is an Offence.
