A second outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed in a commercial turkey flock near Kells, County Meath.

Restriction zones have been established, including a 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone, in line with national and EU regulations. This follows the confirmation of the disease in a flock in County Carlow yesterday.

The development comes as the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, announced a mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds, which will take effect on Monday 10 November. The order also bans gatherings of birds from different premises, including shows, fairs and sales.

Minister Heydon said the outbreak “underlines the ongoing presence of avian influenza in wild birds across the country” and thanked poultry keepers for their commitment to biosecurity. He added that following strict biosecurity measures is the “strongest defence” to protect the sector.

The HSE and European Centre for Disease Control say the risk to public health from this strain is very low. Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sightings via the Department’s AvianCheck app.

All flock owners are reminded to comply with housing and biosecurity regulations, remain vigilant for signs of disease and report any suspicions to their local veterinary office or the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026.

Compulsory biosecurity measures came into effect on 1 November 2025 for all flocks, with enhanced measures for flocks of 350 birds or more. Poultry must be housed to prevent contact with other birds, and movement controls apply within restriction zones for birds, eggs and waste, while feed movement must follow strict biosecurity protocols.

Clinical signs of infection include swollen heads, discoloured neck and throat, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and reduced egg production.

Ireland Issues Housing Order to Stop Bird Flu Spread

Earlier today, the Ministers for Agriculture in Ireland and Northern Ireland introduced compulsory housing orders for poultry and other captive birds to reduce the risk of avian influenza.

In the Republic of Ireland, the order takes effect from Monday 10 November, while in Northern Ireland it comes into force on Thursday morning.

The measures require all bird keepers, including owners of commercial, backyard, hobby, and pet birds, to house their birds or otherwise prevent contact with wild birds. In Northern Ireland, a ban on gatherings of certain birds including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and pheasants will also apply.