DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has announced that the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in force across Northern Ireland including the current ban on poultry gatherings will both be lifted at noon on Saturday 31 May 2025.
The move follows the lifting of compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds which took effect on 10 May.
The measures, imposing a range of compulsory biosecurity measures on poultry flocks, were introduced on 18 January 2025. The aim of the AIPZ was to address the risk posed by avian influenza to the poultry sector and was a vital tool in protecting flocks across NI from the disease which was circulating in wild birds.
“I have taken the decision to lift the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone, including the ban on gatherings, effective from noon 31 May 2025,” said Muir.
“This is a welcome step, and I want to thank all flock keepers for their vigilance and adherence to good biosecurity measures. This has undoubtedly limited the spread of this disease in NI over the recent months.
“Thanks to the determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease, we are now in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers.
“I’m sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society. I am aware that my counterpart in the Republic of Ireland has also made a similar decision for a lifting of the AIPZ there on the same date.”
Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “I would like to remind all flock keepers that while the measures of the AIPZ are no longer a legal requirement, the need for stringent, mandatory biosecurity measures are still of paramount importance to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry.
“Any future bird gatherings should also meet the conditions of a general licence and notify the Department in advance.
“It is imperative that we don’t get complacent. The risk of an avian influenza incursion to poultry is still present, albeit lower than before. Lower risk does not mean no risk.
“I would urge all bird keepers to continue to implement the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ as they have been doing.”