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.

Information on what to do if you find a dead wild bird can be found at Wild Birds and Advice for the Public.

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 from the Bird Registration Form page or by contacting your local DAERA Direct Regional Office.

Latest Update

Further information can be found on the latest situation page.

Update: 05 December 2025

The Surveillance Zones (SZs) near Pomeroy, County Tyrone and Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh will be lifted effective from 20:00 on Sunday 07 December 2025.

Further information can be found on the latest situation page.

Latest Situation

Declarations

Disease Control Zones: Licencing

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

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

Clinical Signs, 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.

Protect your birds

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

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.

Text BIRDS OPT IN (to add your number to RECEIVE text messages) or BIRDS OPT OUT (to STOP getting text messages) to 07860 098672.

Events

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

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Avian Influenza (AI)

Latest Update

Update: 05 December 2025

Latest Situation

Declarations

Disease Control Zones: Licencing

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Clinical Signs, Biosecurity Checklist and Guidance

Wild Birds and Advice for the Public

Backyard Flocks

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

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

Further information

Protect your birds

DAERA Birds Text Alert Service

Events

Useful links

Translation help

Select a language

Avian Influenza (AI)

Latest Update

Update: 05 December 2025

Latest Situation

Declarations

Disease Control Zones: Licencing

Avian Influenza Prevention Zone

Clinical Signs, Biosecurity Checklist and Guidance

Wild Birds and Advice for the Public

Backyard Flocks

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

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

Further information

Protect your birds

DAERA Birds Text Alert Service

Events

Useful links