Mandatory Housing Order declared to protect poultry from avian influenza across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Mandatory housing measures for all kept birds and poultry will come into force across Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Thursday, 6 November 2025, as part of new efforts to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that the new Housing Order will require all bird keepers — including pet bird owners, commercial operators, and those with backyard or hobby flocks — to keep their birds indoors or otherwise separate from wild birds.
The move follows suspect cases of avian influenza at two commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy and Lisnaskea and comes just days after the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across Northern Ireland on 1 November.
A ban on gatherings of galliforme and anseriforme species, including chickens, pheasants, ducks, geese, swans and turkeys, will also be implemented alongside the housing order.
Similar measures are being introduced in the Republic of Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Minister: ‘Vital to protect our poultry industry’
Announcing the new measures, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the decision was taken to safeguard the poultry sector during the remainder of the avian influenza season.
“I have taken the decision to introduce housing measures for all poultry and captive birds and a ban on certain bird gatherings and I welcome the announcement that a similar order is coming into effect in Ireland. Officials will continue to remain in close contact with counterparts in ROI,” the Minister said.
“This will help ensure industry across both jurisdictions are protected as much as possible as we move through the remainder of this HPAI season. This decision will mean that all poultry and captive bird keepers must keep their birds housed or otherwise separate from wild birds.”
Minister Muir added that the new order strengthens earlier biosecurity actions taken by the department.
“This strengthens actions taken by my department to ensure mandatory biosecurity measures were implemented, since 1 November 2025. Northern Ireland relies heavily on the agri-food industry as a source of employment.
“Poultry and egg production contributes significantly to the economy, valued at over £600 million, and it is vital that we do all we can to support industry efforts to keep HPAI out.”
Chief Veterinary Officer urges immediate biosecurity action
Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, urged all flock keepers — large or small — to take immediate action to reduce risks.
“I am urging all flock keepers to please take action now to improve biosecurity so as to reduce the risk of transmission of avian influenza to poultry or other captive birds,” he said.
“Anyone who keeps birds and poultry, not just those in the commercial sector, will now have a legal obligation to adhere to the housing order requirements, which are there to protect your flock. Incursions of avian influenza have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade, and the wider economy.”
He added that all flock keepers, including backyard and hobby owners, must comply with the new measures from 6 November.
“I would encourage all flock keepers including backyard and hobby keepers to put in place measures to house your birds or keep them separate from wild birds from 00:01 on Thursday 06 November 2025.”
Registration and reporting requirements
DAERA has reminded bird keepers that all keepers of birds, except for those keeping pet birds inside their homes, must be registered with the department.
Registration forms can be downloaded from the DAERA website:
Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease, and anyone who suspects a case must report it immediately by calling the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or contacting their local DAERA Direct Office:
Failure to report a suspected case is a criminal offence.
Background
The poultry and egg industry in Northern Ireland plays a vital role in the agri-food economy, contributing over £600 million annually. The new housing order aims to prevent the potentially devastating effects of avian influenza outbreaks on jobs, exports, and local supply chains.
Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are working closely to coordinate their response as the region faces a heightened risk during the peak avian influenza season.