Avian Influenza Prevention Zone in Northern Ireland to be lifted
Date published:
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in force across Northern Ireland and the ban on poultry gatherings will be lifted at 00:01 on Friday 15 May 2026.
The measures, imposing a range of compulsory biosecurity measures on poultry flocks, were introduced on 1 November 2025. The aim of the AIPZ was to address the risk posed by avian influenza to the poultry sector and was a vital tool in protecting flocks across NI from the disease which was circulating in wild birds.
The removal of the restrictions follows the lifting of the avian housing order in Northern Ireland last week.
Making the announcement today, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir thanked the poultry sector for their role in protecting the industry.
Minister Muir said: “Thanks to the determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease, we are now in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers. I am sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society.
“Although all mandatory restrictions have now been lifted, the biosecurity requirements set out for the AIPZ should still be considered good practice. We are urging all bird keepers, whether they have a few birds or thousands, to adhere to the guidance as much as is practically possible.
“I would also encourage all poultry and captive bird keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and seek immediate advice from their vet if they have any concerns.”
All poultry and bird gatherings will be permitted from 15 May 2026 provided organisers comply with the provisions of the updated General licence for bird gatherings.
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.
Notes to editors:
- All poultry and bird gatherings will be permitted from 15 May 2026 provided organisers comply with the provisions of the General licence for bird gatherings.
- 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.
- A self-assessment biosecurity checklist and guidance which is available on the DAERA website has been developed to assist poultry keepers.
- Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected by a notifiable disease must, by law, report it to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Office.
- The Public Health Agency has advised that human infections with avian influenza are rare as it is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the health of the general public is very low.
- The Food Standards Agency has also advised that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk and that properly cooked poultry, including eggs, are safe to eat.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.