Avian Influenza Prevention Measures to end in Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the lifting of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Northern Ireland, effective from noon on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

The move will also end the temporary ban on poultry gatherings, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to curb the spread of avian influenza.

The decision, made by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, follows the earlier easing of housing restrictions on 10 May, which allowed poultry and captive birds to be kept outdoors once again.

In a statement, Minister Muir said:

“I have taken the decision to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, including the ban on gatherings, effective from noon 31 May 2025.

“This is a welcome step, and I want to thank all flock keepers for their vigilance and adherence to good biosecurity measures. This has undoubtedly limited the spread of this disease in NI over the recent months.”

The AIPZ was originally introduced on 18 January 2025 in response to the ongoing threat of avian influenza, primarily spread by wild birds. It imposed strict biosecurity protocols aimed at protecting poultry flocks across Northern Ireland.

Minister Muir added:

“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’m sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society. I am aware that my counterpart in the Republic of Ireland has also made a similar decision for a lifting of the AIPZ there on the same date.”

Continued Vigilance Urged

Despite the lifting of mandatory restrictions, Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, warned against complacency:

“I would like to remind all flock keepers that while the measures of the AIPZ are no longer a legal requirement, the need for stringent, mandatory biosecurity measures are still of paramount importance to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry.

“Any future bird gatherings should also meet the conditions of a general licence and notify the Department in advance.

“It is imperative that we don’t get complacent. The risk of an avian influenza incursion to poultry is still present, albeit lower than before. Lower risk does not mean no risk.

“I would urge all bird keepers to continue to implement the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ as they have been doing.”

Bird gatherings from 31 May must comply with the terms of a general licence, available on the DAERA website.

Resources and Guidance for Bird Keepers

DAERA has made available a self-assessment biosecurity checklist and detailed guidance to help poultry keepers maintain best practices. These resources can be accessed at:

Biosecurity Guidance and Checklist

Avian influenza remains a notifiable disease in the UK. Anyone who suspects a bird may be affected must report it immediately to their local DAERA Direct Office.

Public Health and Food Safety

The Public Health Agency has reassured the public that human infection with avian influenza is extremely rare and that the disease poses a very low risk to public health.

The Food Standards Agency has also confirmed that avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk, provided poultry and eggs are properly cooked.