Avian housing order to be lifted across Northern Ireland as bird flu risk eases
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Poultry keepers across Northern Ireland will be allowed to let their birds outside again from next week, after Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed the lifting of compulsory housing measures introduced to curb the spread of avian influenza.
The restrictions, which have been in place since 6 November 2025, will be lifted from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026, marking a significant shift in disease control measures following months of heightened vigilance across the sector.
The move comes after the last confirmed case of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds was recorded in March 2026, with authorities satisfied that the risk has reduced sufficiently to ease one of the most visible controls on farms and small holdings.
The decision is being mirrored across the island, with the Republic of Ireland also lifting its mandatory housing requirement at the same time.
A turning point after months of restrictions
The housing order has been a central plank of Northern Ireland’s response to avian influenza, requiring all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors to limit contact with wild birds and reduce transmission risk.
Announcing the change, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir acknowledged the sustained effort from the sector, describing the development as “welcome news for poultry keepers across Northern Ireland who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe.”
He pointed to the absence of recent confirmed cases and praised farmers who had dealt directly with outbreaks, adding that cooperation across the industry had been critical in reaching this stage.
Despite the easing of restrictions, the Minister stressed that vigilance remains essential, warning that bird keepers “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.”
Preparation urged before birds return outdoors
With the lifting date approaching, all flock keepers — from large-scale operators to backyard and hobby bird owners — are being urged to use the coming days to prepare outdoor ranges.
Guidance on how to safely reintroduce birds to outdoor environments has been made available by DAERA, including practical steps to reduce risk and maintain hygiene standards.
That guidance can be accessed here: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/how-prepare-when-your-birds-can-be-let-outside
Risk remains under close scrutiny
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, said the decision followed continuous monitoring and assessment of the disease threat.
He confirmed that the Department had reviewed “all the available evidence” and maintained close engagement with industry stakeholders and counterparts in the Republic of Ireland before determining that conditions were appropriate to reduce protective measures.
While the housing requirement is ending, authorities have made clear that avian influenza has not disappeared and that precautionary measures remain in place.
Gatherings ban and legal controls remain in force
A key restriction that will continue is the ban on poultry gatherings under the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ).
This includes species such as pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and swans, with the measure designed to prevent large-scale mixing of birds that could accelerate transmission.
The AIPZ also continues to impose a legal obligation on all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures, reinforcing the message that the easing of housing rules does not signal a return to normal conditions.
Further details on permitted activities under the AIPZ can be found here: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings
In addition, any premises that have received direct written notification from DAERA regarding specific restrictions must continue to comply with those requirements.
Public health risk remains very low
Health authorities have reiterated that avian influenza poses minimal risk to the public.
The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that the disease presents a “very low food safety risk” for UK consumers, with properly cooked poultry and poultry products — including eggs — safe to eat.
The Public Health Agency has also advised that avian influenza is primarily a disease affecting birds, with the risk to human health described as very low.
More information is available via the PHA website: www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-public-health/health-protection/avian-influenza-0
Legal duties and reporting requirements remain unchanged
Avian influenza remains a notifiable disease, meaning there is a legal obligation to report suspected cases immediately.
Anyone who suspects infection must contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or their local Divisional Veterinary Office:
All poultry and captive birds must also be registered with DAERA, with registration forms available here:
Further guidance on symptoms, prevention and biosecurity is available at:
Members of the public are also being asked to report findings of dead wild birds — including swans, geese, ducks, gulls and birds of prey — using the online reporting tool:
Text alert system for real-time updates
DAERA is encouraging bird keepers to sign up to its text alert service to receive immediate updates on disease developments.
To register, text BIRDS OPT IN to 07860 098 672. Standard network charges may apply for sending texts, but receiving messages is free.
To opt out, users can text BIRDS OPT OUT to the same number.
The current AIPZ declaration remains available here:
At a glance
• Poultry housing order to be lifted across Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026
• Measure has been in place since 6 November 2025 to control avian influenza
• Last confirmed case in poultry or captive birds recorded in March 2026
• Republic of Ireland lifting its housing requirement at the same time
• Ban on poultry gatherings remains under Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
• Strict biosecurity measures still legally required for all bird keepers
• Public health risk described as very low; properly cooked poultry safe to eat
• Avian influenza remains a notifiable disease — suspected cases must be reported
• Bird keepers urged to prepare outdoor areas before reintroducing flocks
• Text alert system available for real-time disease updates
