An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Northern Ireland, effective from 12:00 noon on Saturday, 18 January 2025. This announcement comes from Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir in response to recent cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 detected in wild birds.
The introduction of the AIPZ is significant for all bird keepers, from commercial farmers to hobbyists, as it imposes legal obligations to adhere to strict biosecurity measures. These steps are crucial to prevent the potential spread of the disease to domestic poultry, which could have serious implications for the local economy and food industry.
Recent Detections of Avian Influenza
The decision follows the confirmation of HPAI H5N1 in a wild goose found near Black Lough, Dungannon, County Tyrone on 15 January 2025—the first positive case in a wild bird in Northern Ireland since September 2023. Additional cases were confirmed on 17 January in a buzzard near Moira and a whooper swan in Portballintrae.
Minister Muir stated, “With the detection of the first cases of notifiable avian influenza in Northern Ireland since September 2023, all flock keepers should take immediate action on biosecurity and good farm practice to reduce the risk of incursion of avian influenza into the Northern Ireland poultry flock.”
Mandatory Biosecurity Measures
The AIPZ requires all bird keepers to implement stringent biosecurity protocols, including:
- Preventing contact between poultry and wild birds by providing feed and water indoors or under cover.
- Maintaining strict cleaning and disinfection procedures for equipment, vehicles, and footwear.
- Minimising unnecessary visits to bird areas and ensuring that clothing worn near birds is clean and disinfected.
Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, emphasised the importance of these measures: “I would encourage all flock keepers, even if you keep just one bird, to improve biosecurity in order to prevent an incursion of the disease into our poultry flock. If Avian Influenza were to enter our Northern Ireland flock, it would have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy.”
Currently, there is no requirement to house birds indoors, and bird gatherings have not been prohibited, though this remains under review.