Bird flu restrictions set to be lifted

The biosecurity regulations for poultry which have been in place for six months will be lifted this week.

The measures were introduced in December 2024 due to the risk of avian influenza, and will be revoked with effect from May 31.

Announcing the move, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said: “As we move into the summer, the risk of an avian influenza outbreak in our poultry is lower than it was over the colder winter months. It is appropriate now to lift the regulations which had made strict biosecurity measures compulsory to protect Irish poultry. These biosecurity actions are still best practice and I strongly advise anyone with poultry, whether a large farm or a few backyard hens, to continue to implement them. There is still a risk, and avian influenza is expected to remain a threat to the Irish poultry sector throughout the year. Biosecurity is the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks, and must be practised year-round.”

Praise for producers

The Minister added: “I want to praise the huge efforts which have been made across the poultry sector to protect our poultry industry from avian influenza and the serious consequences of an outbreak.”

Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and 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.