Poultry farmers and backyard keepers across Northern Ireland will be permitted to let their birds outside again from next Tuesday, as the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) confirms the lifting of compulsory housing measures introduced last winter to combat avian influenza. The restrictions, which have required all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds since 6 November 2025, will end at 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026.
The decision follows confirmation that the last case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry or captive birds occurred in March 2026. While the move brings relief to the sector, strict biosecurity rules remain legally enforceable under the ongoing Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), and a ban on bird gatherings continues indefinitely.
Coordinated lifting with Republic of Ireland
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announced the lifting on 29 April 2026, confirming that the Republic of Ireland will revoke its housing order simultaneously. The measures were first imposed across Northern Ireland on 6 November 2025 as a key tool to stop the spread of Avian Influenza (AI) and protect flocks across the country.
“This will be welcome news for poultry keepers across Northern Ireland who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe. The last confirmed case in poultry or captive birds here was in March 2026 and I want to thank the engagement and cooperation from those poultry farmers who have suffered an incursion of disease over the past year.
“With the relaxation of housing requirements my message remains the same to all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands – that they 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.”
Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Risk assessment and ongoing restrictions
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, emphasised that the decision followed extensive review of the risk of an AI incursion:
“The risk of an AI incursion in Northern Ireland has been kept under close review by the Department. These reviews have considered all the available evidence and have included ongoing and recent engagement with stakeholders, and colleagues in the Republic of Ireland, to determine the most appropriate time to reduce the current protective measures in place.”
Brian Dooher, Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland
Despite the lifting of housing requirements, several critical controls remain legally enforceable:
- The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in force across Northern Ireland, mandating strict biosecurity measures for all keepers, whether they maintain commercial flocks or backyard birds
- A ban on bird gatherings continues, covering pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and swans
- Specific restrictions on individual premises notified directly by DAERA in writing remain in place
- All poultry and captive birds must remain registered with DAERA
Preparing for release and biosecurity requirements
All flock keepers, including backyard and hobby keepers, are encouraged to use the next few days to prepare their ranges so that birds can be let outside again. Keepers must ensure birds are kept separate from wild birds and follow mandatory biosecurity protocols to prevent disease spread.
Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Anyone who suspects an animal may be affected must report it immediately to DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or to their local Divisional Veterinary Office.
Public health and reporting
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and that properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. The Public Health Agency notes that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. Further information is available on the PHA Website.
Members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, using the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.
DAERA encourages all bird keepers to sign up to the text alert service to receive immediate notification of any important disease information. Text BIRDS OPT IN to 07860 098 672. Texts sent to this number may be charged at your standard mobile network rate; there is no charge to receive messages. To unsubscribe, text BIRDS OPT OUT.
All poultry and other birds must be registered with DAERA. The application form is available on the DAERA website. Further information on what bird gatherings can take place under the AIPZ is detailed in the General Licence for bird gatherings, and the current AIPZ declaration is available on the DAERA website.