Compulsory Housing Order for All Poultry And Captive Birds From 10 November as Bird Flu Risk Rises

All poultry and captive bird keepers across Ireland must house their flocks from Monday, 10 November 2025, under a new compulsory order introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The measure aims to prevent the spread of avian influenza following confirmation of a highly pathogenic outbreak in County Carlow.

Minister Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine:

"From 10 November, all poultry and captive birds must be housed, or otherwise confined, so they have no access to wild birds or other kept birds."

The decision follows confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) in a commercial turkey flock in County Carlow. A 3 km protection zone and 10 km surveillance zone have been established around the affected premises to contain any potential spread.

Minister Heydon emphasised that limiting contact with wild birds is critical to preventing transmission of the virus. The housing order applies to all domestic poultry keepers, from commercial farms to backyard hobbyists, and requires birds to be kept in secure housing or enclosures that prevent contact with wild birds.

Enhanced biosecurity regulations are already in force nationwide under S.I. No. 520/2025, which commenced on 1 November 2025. These regulations require all flock keepers to apply specified on-farm biosecurity controls to reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread.

The Department has advised members of the public not to handle sick or dead wild birds. Any findings should be reported to a Regional Veterinary Office during business hours, or to the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01-492-8026 outside business hours.

For Cork poultry keepers, the order means ensuring flocks are secured in proper housing before Monday morning. This includes garden chickens, ducks, and any other captive birds, not just commercial operations.

Minister Heydon noted ongoing cooperation with authorities in Northern Ireland, where a similar housing order for kept birds is being introduced, creating a coordinated all-island approach to the disease threat.

Further guidance, including technical updates and practical biosecurity advice for keepers, is available on the DAFM's Avian Influenza information page.