Avian Influenza and wild birds

Following on from confirmation of an avian influenza outbreak in one poultry farm and preliminary positive results in two flocks in Northern Ireland, alongside circulation of the virus in wild birds across the island, the risk of occurrence of further outbreaks of the disease into poultry flocks in Ireland is high. These regulations, The Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds and Restriction on Assembly of Live Birds) Regulations 2025, S.I. No. 532 of 2025 come into force effective from Monday, 10th November 2025 which require flock keepers to confine all poultry and captive birds in their possession or under their control in a secure building.

These regulations entitled Avian Influenza (Precautionary Confinement of Birds and Restriction on Assembly of Live Birds) Regulations 2025 aim to help protect Irish poultry and captive birds against avian influenza (bird flu).

All flock owners are reminded to continue implementing the highest levels of biosecurity. Housing of poultry and captive birds alone will not protect birds from the threat of avian influenza virus. Biosecurity still remains the #1 method in preventing and controlling the spread of disease.

Under these regulations, it is not permitted to organise or take part in events which involve the assembly of live birds from different premises e.g. shows, fairs, markets or sales, in order to protect the birds themselves from the risk of becoming infected.

Members of the public should not approach or handle sick or dead wild birds. In such cases, immediate advice (as guided by public health colleagues) is to instruct them to wash their hands with soap and hot water. Should they have any concerns or develop any ‘flu-like’ symptoms they are to contact their GP making them aware of the fact that they may have been exposed to avian influenza.

Up to date information on avian influenza in Ireland can be found at: www.gov.ie/birdflu