Biosecurity regulations in place over bird flu risk are lifted
Special biosecurity regulations for poultry that were in place due to the increased risk of avian influenza - or bird flu - are to be lifted.
The measures were introduced last December amid a heightened risk of bird flu, and will be revoked from the end of May.
Earlier this month a housing order for poultry flocks and captive birds that was also in place was revoked.
No outbreaks of the high pathogenic HPAI strain were detected in commercial poultry flocks in Ireland last year or so far in 2025.
However, during the first three months of this year 19 wild birds tested positive for bird flu although there were no positive cases in April.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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."
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 of Agriculture's 'Avian Check' app.
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