Farmers breathe 'a sigh of relief'
THE Minister for Agriculture has today announced that Ireland has regained its “Freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” status.
A statement from the Department of Agriculture says: “The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has published Ireland’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses (HPAI) in poultry on its website, with an effective date of 01 January 2026.”
HPAI “has not been detected in Ireland in wild birds or domestic poultry in 2026 (to date), however, cases continue to be detected across Europe and Great Britain so continued vigilance is advised,” the statement continues.
The last reported case of bird flu in a commercial flock was on December 1 in Cavan and the restrictions around the turkey farm near Belturbet lifted on January 4.
The case in Cavan just before Christmas followed four others starting with Carlow on November 4 and in Meath, Monaghan and Laois in the same month. Among the farms affected were turkey breeders left devastated by the timing of the outbreaks.
There were also several cases in the North including in commercial flocks just over the border from Cavan and Monaghan in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh; and Pomeroy and Omagh, Co Tyrone.
As the number of cases confirmed rose daily in the North, UK and in Europe, on November 1, the Department of Agriculture here introduced biosecurity measures regulations including an order for keepers of all types of birds to keep them housed at all times.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon praised the work of birdkeepers and commercial flock owners when he said: “This publication means that Ireland has regained its status regarding ‘Freedom from HPAI’.
“It is a real credit to our poultry industry and my department, and I want to acknowledge the effort involved in reaching this point.”
The Chair of the IFA Poultry Committee, Brendan Soden, has a commercial layer farm in Lavey.
He told the Celt Ireland’s Freedom from HPAI status is particularly good news for poultry food producers and a “positive” step for everyone else in the sector.
“This means that buyers from other countries can see that Ireland has gained its freedom from bird flu status and that will positively impact their decisions on where to import poultry products from.” Mr Soden explained.
“It’s a positive step for all of us but we are still being cautious,” he added.
The IFA chair’s approach reflects that of the Agriculture Minister who said: “Unfortunately, we’re still in the high-risk period and I want to remind all stakeholders to remain vigilant.’
Brendan Soden is looking ahead to longer days and the time of year when migratory birds leave Irish shores.
“It’s too soon to let our guards down yet, but all of us have breathed a sigh of relief with this positive news,” he told the Celt today.