Ireland Lifts National Poultry Housing Order May 5 Amid Reduced Bird Flu Risk

A national housing order for all poultry and captive birds in Ireland will be lifted starting Tuesday, May 5. This measure was initially implemented last November by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon due to an elevated risk of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Last year, five outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 were confirmed on Irish poultry farms, marking the first such cases in approximately three years. While the housing order is being rescinded, stricter biosecurity regulations introduced in November will remain in effect. Minister Heydon emphasized the need for «continued caution due to avian influenza risk.»

Minister Heydon stated, «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.» He acknowledged the significant efforts and cooperation from the Irish poultry industry and bird owners, noting that farmers, veterinarians, processors, and his Department collaborated effectively to mitigate outbreak risks that could have severely impacted the broader poultry sector.

The public is advised against handling sick or dead wild birds and should report any such occurrences to their Regional Veterinary Office. Outside of business hours, incidents can be reported to the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026, or via the Department's Avian Check App.