Bird flu restrictions eased across the island of Ireland

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Restrictions imposed across Ireland to limit the potential spread of bird flu have been eased.

Ireland and Northern Ireland are to lift the compulsory housing order for poultry and captive birds from midnight next Tuesday.

The housing orders were introduced in November to protect poultry and captive birds during the high-risk bird flu season.

Three bird flu outbreaks were confirmed in commercial turkey flocks in Co Carlow, Co Meath and another near Clontibret, Co Monaghan by November.

Fota Wildlife Park in Cork was also closed for a period because of an outbreak among its animals.

Anyone who keeps a flock, including backyard and hobby keepers, are now being encouraged to prepare their ranges so that birds can be let outside again.

A ban on the gatherings of poultry, including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and swans, remains in place in Northern Ireland.

The last case of bird flu in Northern Ireland was confirmed in a flock in Omagh, Co Tyrone last month.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon and Stormont’s Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir both encouraged flock holders to continue to implement biosecurity measures.

Heydon said: “The risk of avian influenza to our poultry is no longer as high as it had been in recent months, and as a result, it is an appropriate time to lift the housing order and prohibition on the assembly of live birds.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and cooperation from the Irish poultry industry and bird owners in recent months.

“Despite the challenges, farmers, vets, processors and my Department have all worked together to reduce the chances of an outbreak which could have had such serious consequences for the wider poultry industry.”

He added: “It is important to note that the risk of avian influenza has not gone away and everyone must remain vigilant especially around biosecurity of their flock and farm.

“I have left the Avian Influenza (biosecurity measures) Regulation in place for this reason.”

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.”

Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer, Brian Dooher, said the risk of an avian flu 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.”