Bird flu prevention zone to be lifted in Northern Ireland

The bird flu prevention zone and the ban on poultry gatherings in Northern Ireland will be lifted on Friday from 00:01 BST.

A range of compulsory biosecurity measures on poultry flocks, were introduced on 1 November 2025.

The last confirmed case in poultry or captive birds in Northern Ireland was in March 2026.

The removal of the restrictions on Friday, follows the lifting of the avian housing order in Northern Ireland last week.

Agriculture ad Environment Minister Andrew Muir said thanks to the "determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease" the prevention zone could be lifted along with a reduction in "all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers".

"I am sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society," he added.

"Although all mandatory restrictions have now been lifted, the biosecurity requirements set out for the AIPZ (Avian Influenza Prevention Zone) should still be considered good practice.

"We are urging all bird keepers, whether they have a few birds or thousands, to adhere to the guidance as much as is practically possible."

Muir said he would also encourage anyone who keeps poultry or other birds to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and seek immediate advice from their vet if they had any concerns.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Afairs said poultry and bird gatherings would be permitted from Friday, provided organisers comply with the provisions of the updated general licence for bird gatherings.

Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes other animals, such as foxes, seals and otters.

It spreads through contaminated feed and water, or through birds' droppings and saliva.

The major strain - circulating among wild birds worldwide - is a type of the virus known as H5N1.

It emerged in China in the late 1990s.

Bird migration has led to outbreaks in domestic and wild birds.

The virus has in very rare cases infected humans but experts say the current risk to humans is low.