NI bird flu restrictions to be lifted this weekend
PARestrictions to protect against bird flu in Northern Ireland will end at midday on Saturday, 31 May.
It means poultry gatherings are once again allowed to take place after the lifting of compulsory housing measures on 10 May.
Similar arrangements in the Republic of Ireland will be lifted at the same time.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was put in place in January following the confirmation of the virus in wild birds.
In February, there were three outbreaks of bird flu in commercial poultry premises in County Tyrone around the time of a housing order.
It was the first time the disease had been detected in a commercial setting since December 2021.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the measures had "undoubtedly limited the spread" of the disease.
"Thanks to the determined efforts from the poultry sector in Northern Ireland to protect their flocks and minimise the impact of disease, we are now in a position to lift the AIPZ and reduce all mandatory restrictions placed on bird keepers," he said.
"I'm sure this will be welcome news for the sector which contributes greatly to our economy and wider society."
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher warned against complacency, saying "lower risk does not mean no risk".
He added that "the need for stringent, mandatory biosecurity measures are still of paramount importance to help prevent the spread of the disease from wild birds or another source to poultry.
"I would urge all bird keepers to continue to implement the biosecurity measures of the AIPZ as they have been doing."