Poultry events cleared to return as avian flu rules end this week

Northern Ireland’s poultry sector will see all remaining bird flu restrictions lifted from just after midnight on Friday, marking the end of months of mandatory disease control measures introduced to protect flocks across the region.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), which has been in force since 1 November 2025, will officially end at 00:01 on Friday 15 May 2026 alongside the ban on poultry gatherings.

The move means poultry shows, bird gatherings and related events can resume across Northern Ireland, including in County Antrim and Mid and East Antrim, provided organisers comply with updated licensing requirements issued by DAERA.

The restrictions were originally introduced as avian influenza spread among wild birds, creating significant concern for commercial poultry producers and smaller bird keepers alike.

Restrictions removed after months of disease controls

The lifting of the AIPZ follows the removal of the avian housing order last week and represents the final easing of mandatory controls that had imposed strict biosecurity requirements on poultry flocks.

The measures affected everyone from large-scale poultry operations to residents keeping small backyard flocks.

DAERA said the controls were a “vital tool” in protecting Northern Ireland’s poultry industry from disease during a prolonged period of heightened risk.

Announcing the decision, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir thanked the sector for its efforts in limiting the spread of the disease.

He said:

“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 am sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society.”

Bird keepers urged to remain vigilant

Despite the removal of legal restrictions, DAERA has stressed that bird keepers should continue following strong biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

Minister Muir added:

“Although all mandatory restrictions have now been lifted, the biosecurity requirements set out for the AIPZ should still be considered good practice.

“We are urging all bird keepers, whether they have a few birds or thousands, to adhere to the guidance as much as is practically possible.

“I would also encourage all poultry and captive bird keepers to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and seek immediate advice from their vet if they have any concerns.”

The department said bird gatherings will now be permitted from Friday 15 May, provided organisers comply with the updated General Licence for bird gatherings available from the DAERA website.

Biosecurity guidance remains in place

DAERA is continuing to encourage poultry keepers to maintain high standards of hygiene and disease prevention, even after the restrictions end.

The department’s biosecurity checklist and guidance can be accessed here:

Check List

Officials said a self-assessment biosecurity checklist has also been developed to help poultry keepers review protection measures on their premises.

The department reminded bird owners that avian influenza remains a notifiable disease.

Anyone who suspects avian influenza must, by law, report it immediately to DAERA by calling 0300 200 7840 or contacting their local DAERA Direct Office.

Public health risk remains low

The Public Health Agency has advised that human infections with avian influenza remain rare because the disease primarily affects birds.

Officials said the risk to the general public is considered very low.

Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency has said avian influenza presents a very low food safety risk and confirmed that properly cooked poultry products and eggs remain safe to eat.

The easing of the final restrictions is expected to be welcomed across Northern Ireland’s farming and poultry sectors after months of heightened precautions, disruption and uncertainty linked to the spread of avian influenza.