Compulsory poultry housing order to be lifted in May
The minister made the announcement but informed farmers and flock owners that they should continue to exercise caution and protect flocks as bird flu still poses a risk. File picture
The compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds is set to be lifted on May 5.
The housing order, which was introduced on November 10, 2025, to protect poultry and captive birds during the higher risk period of avian influenza, will be lifted on May 5, 2026. The biosecurity regulations introduced that same month will remain in place.
The last reported outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in a turkey flock in Co Cavan on December 1, 2025. Implemented restriction zones were lifted on January 4, 2026.
The department reported that all outbreaks in 2025 were contained to the affected sites. Ireland’s self-declaration of HPAI-free status was recognised and published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in January 2026.
Speaking at the announcement, minister for agriculture, Martin 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 co-operation from the Irish poultry industry and bird owners in recent months.”
The minister made the announcement but informed farmers and flock owners that they should continue to exercise caution and protect flocks as bird flu still poses a risk.
“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,” the minister said.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to continue to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to their Regional Veterinary Office or, if outside business hours, to contact the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026 or use the department’s Avian Check App.
