DAERA announces mandatory housing for all kept birds
Mandatory housing measures will be in force in Northern Ireland and Ireland from 17 February 2025.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced mandatory housing measures across Northern Ireland, as it plans to mitigate the risk of avian influenza in the country.
From 17 February 2025, bird keepers will be legally required to keep their birds either indoors or separate from wild birds. The law applies to pet birds, commercial flocks and backyard flocks.
There will also be a ban on gatherings of galliforme (such as pheasants, quail and guinea fowl), anseriforme (such as ducks, geese and swans) and poultry.
The decision has been made as DAERA works to tackle the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the domestic poultry sector. It follows the introduction of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Northern Ireland on 18 January 2025.
The latest measures come after a preliminary confirmation of HPAI in captive birds at a nature reserve outside of Magherafelt, with other cases in wild birds reported across Northern Ireland. DAERA says that the HPAI measures will protect its agri-food industry, with poultry and egg production valued at £600m.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) is introducing similar mandatory housing rules for Ireland on 17 February 2025.
DAERA minister Andrew Muir said: “I have taken the decision to introduce housing measures for all poultry and captive birds and a ban on certain bird gatherings.
“I have been in discussions with my counterpart in Ireland, DAFM Minister Martin Heydon T.D, and I welcome the announcement that a similar order is coming into effect in Ireland. Officials will continue to remain in close contact as both Orders are implemented.”
Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher added: “I would encourage all flock keepers including backyard and hobby keepers to use the next few days to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and, put in place measures to house your birds or keep them separate from wild birds in preparation for the introduction of the mandatory housing order from 00:01 on Monday 17 February 2025.
“It is expected that this order will be in place for up to eight weeks and will be kept under regular and close review by the Department.”
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