DAERA Minister has announced that the
compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be
lifted across Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
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 6
November 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 or
captive birds here was in March 2026 and I want to thank the
engagement and cooperation from those poultry farmers who have
suffered an incursion of disease over the past 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 few days 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:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/how-prepare-when-your-birds-can-be-let-outside.
Northern Ireland's Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher said:
“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 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 poultry (including pheasants,
partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and
swans) 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. Further information on what bird gatherings can take
place under the AIPZ is available on the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings
Other specific restrictions on premises which have been notified
directly by DAERA in writing remain in place.
Notes to editors:
- Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects
an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must report it
to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or to their local Divisional Veterinary
Office: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/contacts/daera-direct-regional-offices.
- A copy of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)
declaration in force is available on the DAERA website:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/disease-control-zone-declarations.
- A copy of a General Licence for what bird gatherings can take
place under the AIPZ is available on the DAERA website:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings.
- 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.
- 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: www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-public-health/health-protection/avian-influenza-0.
- 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.
- More information about Avian Influenza - including
biosecurity guidance - is available on the DAERA website:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/clinical-signs-biosecurity-checklist-and-guidance.
- 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: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-dead-wild-bird-online-reporting-tool.
