Swann Welcomes Lifting of Bird Flu Housing Order

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement that compulsory housing measures for poultry and captive birds are to be lifted across Northern Ireland. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that the housing order, which has been in place since 6 November 2025 to halt the spread of bird flu, will be removed from 00:01 on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

The decision follows a period of stable disease control and is being coordinated with authorities in the Republic of Ireland, who will lift their mandatory housing requirement at the same time.

Robin Swann MP said:

"The lifting of the housing order will be a significant boost for the poultry sector across Northern Ireland. While this is a positive step forward, the risk of avian influenza has not been eliminated entirely.

"I encourage all bird keepers to use the coming days to prepare their outdoor ranges safely. Maintaining high standards of hygiene and remaining vigilant is the best way to ensure we do not see a return of this disease and these restrictive measures."

Although birds can return to outdoor areas from 5 May, the ban on poultry gatherings remains in place. Flock owners are advised to continue monitoring their birds closely and to report any suspicion of disease to DAERA.