Press release
Department announces removal of legal requirement for specific biosecurity measures
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has announced that the legal requirement for specific biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of Avian Influenza (bird flu) was lifted on 1 June 2023.
The measures now being removed relate to specific enforceable biosecurity requirements introduced on 19 September 2022 - S.I. No. 462 of 2022.
The decision to remove these measures is based on indicators of reduced risk of avian influenza - including the fact that no case of this disease has been confirmed in wild birds in Ireland for a period of over 6 weeks, reducing numbers of migratory waterfowl and increasing environmental temperatures and daylight hours.
The department however urges flock owners to remain vigilant and to continue to use the highest standards of biosecurity as, notwithstanding the reduced risk, there is still the possibility of the virus being present in the environment or being transmitted to their flock by wild birds.
The department also reminds all poultry owners, including those who keep only 1 or 2 birds, of their legal obligation to register their premises with the department. Guidance on how to register your poultry can be found at: Poultry Register.
Further information on avian influenza can be found at: Avian influenza (bird flu).
A list of Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine offices and their contact details is available at:
Avian influenza hotline: Tel: 01 607 2512 or 01 492 8026 (outside office hours)
Wild bird app: https://aviancheck.apps.rhos.agriculture.gov.ie/