Minister Muir announces lifting of avian housing order - 29/04/26
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir 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.
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.
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.
- 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. Text BIRDS OPT IN to 07860 098 672. Texts sent to 07860 098 672 may be charged at your standard mobile network rate. There is no charge to receive text messages from this service. If you wish to be removed from this service, please text BIRDS OPT OUT to stop getting text messages.
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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.