Bird flu: Case found in Republic of Ireland

Bird flu has been found in a wild bird in the Republic of Ireland, the first confirmed discovery on the island of Ireland since September 2023.

The bird, a buzzard, was found in County Galway.

Poultry, game and pet bird owners in Northern Ireland have been urged to review their biosecurity standards to help lower their risk.

Northern Ireland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Brian Dooher, said the virus was present in wild birds.

“The recent detection of HPAI H5N1 in a wild buzzard in Galway demonstrates that the virus is present in wild birds on the island of Ireland,” Mr Dooher said.

“This finding highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of biosecurity to protect the poultry industry in Northern Ireland from the threat of avian influenza.

“I would reiterate my earlier warning that owners of poultry, game or pet birds should act now to ensure their biosecurity measures are sufficient to reduce the risk of disease to your flocks,” he added.

A biosecurity checklist is available on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs ( Daera).

The disease poses huge risk to the local poultry sector which is worth around £0.5bn a year to the Northern Ireland economy.

There has not been an outbreak in a commercial poultry setting since December 2021.

Bird flu restrictions were eased in Northern Ireland in April 2023, following the outbreak which began in October 2021.

It was described as the largest ever in these islands.

But strict biosecurity protocols have remained in place.