Avian Influenza (AI)

Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. It may also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances.

Avian Influenza is a notifiable animal disease. If you keep poultry (including game birds or as pets), please remain vigilant for any signs of disease in your flock. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, please report it to your Private Veterinary Practitioner. If notifiable disease is suspected, contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

You can find information on what to do if you find a dead wild bird here.

Please note that by law, bird keepers should register their birds. This applies to all birds except those kept within your home. This will enable the Department to provide you with up-to-date information about avian influenza and measures you can take to prevent spread to your birds. Registration forms are available here or by contacting your local DAERA Direct Regional Office.

Update: 14 July 2022

HPAI has been detected in wild sea birds at a number of locations in Northern Ireland. For more information please see link below.

Wild Birds and Advice for the Public | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (daera-ni.gov.uk)

Scrupulous standards of biosecurity remain essential.

More information here

New Biosecurity Checklist, in conjunction with the British Poultry Council, is available to download here.

New Biosecurity Guidance Poster is available to download here.

Latest Situation

Declarations

Movement within Zones: Licenses - Obtain licence before you move within zone

Movement within Zones: Licences

AIPZ - Bird Gatherings, Pigeons & Birds of Prey

Biosecurity Advice and Guidance - Complete your checklist today and take action now!

Biosecurity Checklist and Guidance

Wild Birds and Advice for the Public

Backyard Flocks

Moving Poultry into NI - Check steps to follow before moving poultry, birds and products of animal origin

Moving Poultry, Birds, Animals and Products of Animal Origin into NI

Moving Poultry out of NI - Check steps to follow before moving poultry, birds and products of animal origin

Moving Poultry, birds, Animals and Products of Animal Origin out of NI

Further information

Get more guidance and answers to your frequently asked questions here.

Protect your birds

Attention all bird keepers! Take action now to protect your birds from Avian Influenza.

Keep up to date with current AI situation

DAERA Birds Text Alert Service

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, allowing you to protect your flocks at the earliest opportunity.

More information here.

Events

Access the latest detailed webinars on how to protect your flock.