Avian influenza, otherwise known as 'bird flu' has been discovered in a backyard flock in Co. Donegal.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has today (Thursday, July 31) confirmed that there are no trade implications for the Irish poultry industry in relation to this detection, due to the very small size of the flock. 

Minister Heydon said: “A bird from a very small backyard flock in Co. Donegal has tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza, following a post-mortem examination carried out in my department’s Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Sligo.

Moving to reassure poultry farmers and the Irish poultry industry, Minister Heydon stated: “As this flock was very small and was not involved in commercial poultry activity, under the legislation this incident is not an outbreak of avian influenza.

"Therefore, this does not affect Ireland’s disease-free status in respect of avian influenza and there are no trade implications or restriction zones," the minister added.

He has emphasised the importance of biosecurity as the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks.

"This incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds," Minister Heydon said.

People are advised to report any suspicions of avian influenza to the local Regional Veterinary Office without delay.

In recent weeks, there have been a number of cases of avian influenza detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas.

In 2025, a total of 41 cases of avian influenza in wild birds have been detected. 

The minister has reiterated the importance of taking precautions to protect public health: “I have a clear message for the public, especially for those who may encounter dead birds on beaches this summer - do not touch or pick up dead wild birds, and keep pet dogs on a leash in areas where there are sick or dead wild birds.”

The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1) is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.