Urgent warning issued as 'highly contagious' bird flu detected in Ireland

An urgent warning has been issued to the public as the highly contagious Avian Influenza HPAI (H5N1), is currently circulating in wild birds, especially in breeding seabirds around the coast of Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture has issued a statement saying over the last three weeks in particular, including following intensive surveillance by NPWS, and reports from others, there have been a number of cases of groups of dead wild sea birds washing up on shorelines in counties Kerry, Clare and Galway.

A number have been tested by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, and gulls and Guillemot have so far been confirmed with HPAI; and many multiples of that are likely to have HPAI. In total, 25 wild birds have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2025 (January-June).

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Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a notifiable animal disease and is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. It can also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances, but these types of infections are rare.

As advised by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, (and the HSE also issued guidance):

• Do not touch sick or dead wild birds;
• Do not to bring sick wild birds home;
• Pets should be kept away from sick and dead wild birds (dogs should be kept on a leash where sick or dead wild birds are present).

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine carries out year round avian influenza surveillance sampling. In areas where HPAI has already been confirmed, it may not be necessary to collect further birds for sampling. The avian influenza virus is very contagious amongst birds and can survive for several weeks in the environment.

The faeces of infected birds contains a high level of virus and so the area can remain infective irrespective of whether bird carcasses are removed from an area or not. If is deemed appropriate for public amenity reasons to remove dead birds or to display signage, etc. e.g. on beaches or areas with frequent human footfall, it is a matter for the Local Authority.

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Over the past number of months, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been undertaking intensive monitoring and surveillance with a nationwide network of regional staff, collecting information on seabirds from coastlines, key colonies and elsewhere across the island.

The situation is being monitored intensively and any suspected cases reported to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine for testing. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has responsibly for avian influenza testing in Ireland. NPWS is already providing expert advice to DAFM in relation to HPAI and cases in wild birds.

NPWS urge members of the public to avoid coming into close contact with any dead/sick seabird.

DAFM requests that all sick/dead wild birds are reported via the Avian Check app. While not all dead birds will be collected for testing, reporting is greatly appreciated and provides important information to support surveillance and risk assessment activities.

Detailed information of Avian Influenza is available on the DAFM and Gov.ie websites. This includes their most recent overview of the situation with regard to HPAI in Ireland – “AHS - Current News”.