Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ)

To help stop the spread of avian influenza, 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

The housing order supplements the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) introduced on 1 November 2025 and legally requires all bird keepers, including owners of pet birds, commercial flocks, backyard and hobby flocks, to keep birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry will also be implemented.

A copy of General Licence (AIPM 66) for bird gatherings which are permitted under the conditions of the AIPZ is available at the link below

General licence for bird gatherings | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

A copy of the AIPZ Declaration and an AIPZ Q&A can be accessed here.

Bird keepers can help prevent avian flu, and other diseases, by maintaining high levels of biosecurity on their premises. Please see our Biosecurity Checklist and Biosecurity Guidance to protect your flock.

See Press Release below

Housing Order declared to protect poultry from Avian Influenza | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs