
Avian Flu Strikes Backyard Flock in Donegal

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed in a small backyard flock in County Donegal, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.
The detection followed a post-mortem examination carried out at the Department’s Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, announced the case today and moved quickly to reassure the public and the poultry industry, emphasising that there are no trade implications or disease status changes for Ireland as a result of this incident.
“This was a very small, non-commercial flock. Under legislation, it does not constitute an outbreak of avian influenza,” Minister Heydon said. “Therefore, Ireland’s avian influenza disease-free status remains unchanged and no trade restrictions apply.”
The infected bird was confirmed as carrying the H5N1 strain, and all remaining birds in the flock have now been euthanised. The Minister extended his sympathies to the flock owner and urged all poultry keepers—whether commercial or hobbyist—to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity.
“This case is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by avian influenza, particularly from wild birds,” he said. “Biosecurity remains the single most effective tool to prevent the virus from spreading.”
So far in 2025, 41 detections of avian influenza have been confirmed in wild birds in Ireland, mainly along coastal areas. These include pooled samples from groups of dead birds, not necessarily 41 individual birds.
Minister Heydon also issued a strong public health warning ahead of the busy summer holiday period: “If you come across dead birds on beaches or coastal walks, do not touch them. Keep dogs on leads and avoid contact with feathers or droppings. Let common sense and caution guide your actions.”
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has assessed the risk to the general public as low, while the risk to those occupationally exposed to birds is considered low to medium. The Minister urged the public to report any suspected cases through the AvianCheck app, which helps authorities monitor bird flu in wild populations.
Full guidance, reporting tools, and up-to-date advice are available at gov.ie/birdflu.
Share this WeathÉire story: