Bird Flu latest update 2025

The ISPCA urges the public to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds amid confirmed cases of avian influenza in Ireland.

The ISPCA urges the public to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds amid confirmed cases of avian influenza in Ireland.

The ISPCA urges the public to be vigilant and to follow β€œbest practice” biosecurity measures amid confirmed cases of avian influenza in wild birds in Ireland.

While no outbreaks of avian influenza have been detected in poultry in Ireland during 2024 or 2025 to date, a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) has been confirmed in a Peregrine Falcon in County Wexford. This is the fifth confirmed case in a wild bird in Ireland since December 2024, and the presence of the virus in wild birds across three separate counties in Northern Ireland has also been confirmed.

The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides regularly updated information and guidance at gov.ie – Avian Influenza (bird flu), and has issued advice such as:

  • Members of the public are reminded not to touch sick or dead wild birds.
  • They should also avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces and should not handle bird feathers they find in the wild.
  • Pet owners are advised to ensure dogs are on a short lead when walking in areas where any sick or dead wild birds are, or have been, present.
  • All poultry owners, including those who keep only one or two birds, should have their premises registered with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).
  • Keepers of poultry and captive birds should take steps to avoid contact between wild birds and poultry.
  • Poultry keepers are reminded to remain vigilant for any suspicions of avian influenza in their flocks, and to report such suspicions to their Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the DAFM National Disease Emergency Hotline 01 492 8026 (outside office hours) without delay.

Sick or dead wild birds can be reported to DAFM via the local RVO, by using the Avian Check Wild Bird App https://aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/, or by contacting the National Disease Emergency Hotline 01 492 8026 (outside office hours).

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