Minister Martin Heydon TD, has announced the lifting of the compulsory housing order for poultry & captive birds.
Minister Heydon announces the lifting of the housing order for poultry and urges continued caution due to avian influenza risk
- Published on: 29 April 2026
- Last updated on: 29 April 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has announced the lifting of the compulsory housing order for poultry and captive birds.
The housing order, which was introduced in November 2025 to protect poultry and captive birds during the higher risk period of avian influenza, will be lifted from Tuesday 5 May 2026. The biosecurity regulations introduced that same month will remain in place.
The Minister said:
“The risk of avian influenza to our poultry is no longer as high as it had been in recent months and as a result it is an appropriate time to lift the housing order and prohibition on the assembly of live birds. I want to acknowledge the hard work and cooperation from the Irish poultry industry and bird owners in recent months. Despite the challenges, farmers, vets, processors and my Department have all worked together to reduce the chances of an outbreak which could have had such serious consequences for the wider poultry industry.”
The Minister went on to say:
“It is important to note that the risk of avian influenza has not gone away and everyone must remain vigilant especially around biosecurity of their flock and farm. I have left the Avian Influenza (biosecurity measures) Regulation in place for this reason.”
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to continue 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’s Avian Check App.
Further information, including a detailed technical update, is available at gov.ie/birdflu
Bluetongue Update for Exhibitors.
The Irish Shows Association has issued an update regarding the Bluetongue situation ahead of the 2026 show season.
At present, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has not issued specific advice or restrictions relating to agricultural shows. Exhibitors must continue to comply with all animal movement regulations.
The ISA will continue to monitor the situation & provide further updates when required.
Full Statement: https://www.irishshows.org/news/x-9
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19 Nov 2025
Applications are now being taken for our in-hand conformation judges course for 2026.
Please submit two references accompanying your application.
A fee will be applicable for successful candidates. Training will take place in early spring 2026, with successful applicants undertaking practical training as probationary judges throughout the summer.
Assessments will take place in the autumn of 2026.
Please return your completed application form to the office on or before 8pm on 12th December 2025.
Jim Harrison
Irish Shows Association
Tullyraghan, Drumakill, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, A75 V635
Tel. No.: 0429746323 Mobile: 0862783725
Email Address: jimharrisonisa@gmail.com
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