A new bird flu prevention zone is to be implemented across Northern Ireland, imposing stringent biosecurity measures on all bird keepers from Saturday 1 November.
The legal requirement will affect everyone from commercial poultry farmers to those with pet birds or a small backyard flock.
Stormont Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said there is an increased risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) entering the region, attributing it to the onset of winter bird migration.
“An incursion of HPAI can cause devastating impacts for those affected and our wider industry,” he said.
“I am therefore asking all bird keepers to now take the appropriate action to protect your birds, the Northern Ireland flock and wider agri-food industry.
“The biosecurity measures required under the avian influenza prevention zone are vital tools in our fight against this disease and I am pleased that we have been able to co-ordinate with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine in the Republic of Ireland where mandatory biosecurity measures for all poultry and captive birds will be introduced at the same time as the introduction of the AIPZ across Northern Ireland.”
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will be introduced in Northern Ireland from 00:01 on Saturday 1 November 2025, Agriculture Minister @AndrewMuirNI has confirmed. More info: https://t.co/VJ5CxSuzx6 pic.twitter.com/3ZzgeRmfNE
— DAERA (@daera_ni) October 24, 2025
Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland Brian Dooher said the measures include stringent mandatory biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry.
This includes a requirement that poultry or other captive birds are provided with food and water to which wild birds have no access, and mandatory rules on cleansing and disinfection.
“There is currently no requirement for poultry to be housed, and bird gatherings are not prohibited at this stage, but this will be kept under constant review,” he added.
“I would encourage all flock keepers, even if you keep just one bird, to review and reinforce your biosecurity in order to prevent an incursion of the disease into our poultry flock.
“Avian influenza can have a significant and devastating impact on our poultry industry, international trade and the wider economy – it is imperative that we do not become complacent.”
