Minister Muir announces lifting of avian housing order

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that the compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds will be lifted across Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

In conjunction with the decision to lift the housing order in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland will lift their mandatory housing requirement at the same time.

The housing measures were introduced across Northern Ireland on 6 November 2025 as one of the key measures to stop the spread of Avian Influenza (AI) and has been a vital tool in protecting flocks across the country.

Minister Muir said: “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.”

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. Guidance on steps to take before letting birds outside is available on the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/how-prepare-when-your-birds-can-be-let-outside.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher said: “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.”

The ban on the gatherings of poultry (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and swans) will remain in place as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) which places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in Northern Ireland to follow strict biosecurity measures. Further information on what bird gatherings can take place under the AIPZ is available on the DAERA website: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/general-licence-bird-gatherings

Other specific restrictions on premises which have been notified directly by DAERA in writing remain in place.