#18,822
Two days ago, in The UK's Summer HPAI H5 Surge In Poultry, we looked at an unexpected rise in H5N1 poultry outbreaks (n=4) over less than a week, which began just 3 days after Defra lowered the nation's risk level.Yesterday morning we saw Defra Announce the 5th H5 Poultry Outbreak In A Week, and this morning we have two more outbreaks - one in the Republic of Ireland, and the other in the north of Scotland (see map above).
First, this report from https://www.gov.ie/
Minister Heydon announces a finding of avian influenza in a small backyard flock in Co. Donegal
From: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on: 31 July 2025
Last updated on: 31 July 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, has today announced that avian influenza has been detected in a small backyard flock in Co. Donegal. The Minister 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. Following this result, the other birds in the flock have now been euthanised. I would like to extend my sympathies to the flock owner.”
This latest report prompted Northern Ireland's DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment, & Rural Affairs) to issue the following statement:
Date published: 1 August 2025The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is urging all poultry and bird keepers across Northern Ireland to remain vigilant for signs of avian influenza, as evidence confirms that the virus continues to circulate.This renewed call for vigilance follows recent detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 reported by both the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in the Ireland and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in Great Britain.In recent days, HPAI H5N1 has been confirmed in a small backyard flock in County Donegal and in flocks across six locations in England. In all cases, birds were humanely culled to prevent further spread.These findings highlight the persistent and serious threat posed by avian influenza to both commercial and backyard flocks. DAERA is reminding all bird keepers — regardless of the size or type of flock — to remain alert and take all necessary steps to minimise the risk of infection, particularly from wild birds.
Meanwhile, in Northern Scotland, Defra reports:
1 August 2025
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed by the CVO Scotland at a premises near Banff, Aberdeenshire (AIV2025/55).
Based on past experience, the expectation was that the UK would enjoy lull in bird flu activity over the summer. Last year no cases were reported between March and October - and until a week ago - no cases had been reported in nearly 5 weeks.A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been declared around the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
While it is not clear exactly what is behind this unseasonable uptick in HPAI outbreaks in and around the UK over the past week - any change in the virus's behavior is very much worth noting.
More importantly, we'll be watching to see if similar trends emerge in Europe, where avian flu activity has reportedly declined in recent months (see High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Great Britain and Europe ).
Stay tuned.
