Avian flu regulations are to be lifted at the end of this month
Regulations restricting poultry due to avian influenza will be lifted at the end of May 2025.
Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, announced that the biosecurity regulations (SI 666/2024) placed on flocks since December 6, 2024 will be lifted from May 31 for highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI).
These biosecurity measures were made mandatory in December to counter the spread of HPAI, but still remain the best everyday practices for poultry farmers and flock owners. This announcement follows the lifting of the mandatory housing order, which was implemented in February and was lifted earlier this month.
Speaking on the announcement, the minister 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.'
The department has reported in their most recent avian influenza update that no HPAI was detected in Ireland in poultry or wild birds in the month of April 2025. The department warn flock owners that HPAI is still a major risk for flocks in Ireland and biosecurity measures still remain the number one method in preventing and controlling the spread of the disease.
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.'
Pet owners are continued to be advised to keep dogs on a leash when walking where sick or dead wild birds are or have been present.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds of any species. Any dead wild birds should be reported to the Regional Veterinary Office in the area or, if outside business hours, to contact the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026 or use the Department's Avian Check app.
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