A case of bird flu has been detected in a small backyard flock in Co Donegal.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon announced the detection, saying there will be no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry due to the very small size of the flock.
In recent weeks, there have been a number of cases of avian influenza detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas.
In 2025, a total of 41 cases of avian influenza in wild birds have been detected.
Minister Heydon extended his sympathies to the flock owner.
“A bird from a very small backyard flock in Co Donegal has tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza following a post-mortem examination carried out in my Department’s regional veterinary laboratory in Sligo,” he said.
“Following this result, the other birds in the flock have now been euthanised.”
Reassurance
The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating (HPAI subtype H5N1) is considered low for the general public and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.
“As this flock was very small and was not involved in commercial poultry activity, under the legislation this incident is not an outbreak of avian influenza,” added Heydon.
“Therefore, this does not affect Ireland’s disease-free status in respect of avian influenza and there are no trade implications or restriction zones.
“Biosecurity is the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry or between poultry flocks.
“This incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds. Report any suspicions of avian influenza to your local regional veterinary office without delay.”
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Two wild birds test positive for bird flu over recent weeks
A case of bird flu has been detected in a small backyard flock in Co Donegal.
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon announced the detection, saying there will be no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry due to the very small size of the flock.
In recent weeks, there have been a number of cases of avian influenza detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas.
In 2025, a total of 41 cases of avian influenza in wild birds have been detected.
Minister Heydon extended his sympathies to the flock owner.
“A bird from a very small backyard flock in Co Donegal has tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza following a post-mortem examination carried out in my Department’s regional veterinary laboratory in Sligo,” he said.
“Following this result, the other birds in the flock have now been euthanised.”
Reassurance
The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating (HPAI subtype H5N1) is considered low for the general public and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.
“As this flock was very small and was not involved in commercial poultry activity, under the legislation this incident is not an outbreak of avian influenza,” added Heydon.
“Therefore, this does not affect Ireland’s disease-free status in respect of avian influenza and there are no trade implications or restriction zones.
“Biosecurity is the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry or between poultry flocks.
“This incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds. Report any suspicions of avian influenza to your local regional veterinary office without delay.”
Read more
Department seeking advice on poultry compensation rates
Two wild birds test positive for bird flu over recent weeks
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