Bird fairs, markets and shows in Northern Ireland were today banned under new measures to prevent a potential outbreak of avian flu.
A licence must be granted, following a risk assessment, before any such event can go ahead.
The legislation will also enable the British Department of Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) to establish a poultry register for the North.
A DARD spokesman said: "The ban on bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings is being introduced to implement recent European Commission Decisions to help prevent the spread of Avian Influenza.
"In recent days the department has been working with show organisers and representative groups to consider how best we can put in place a licensing system that will permit at least some events to go ahead, subject to a number of conditions."
The conditions include notifying the local Divisional Veterinary Office three working days prior to the event.
Officials will meet with pigeon and poultry fancier groups to discuss the full implications of the ban.