€2.6m paid out in bird flu compensation since 2023 - DAFM
Approximately €2.6 million has been paid out in avian influenza-related compensation since 2023.
The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides that compensation to owners of animals may be payable if a cull of those animals is directed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
This is in the event of an outbreak in that herd or flock of certain diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Compensation
"The compensation may relate to the animal that is culled, or to an animal product, animal feed or other items destroyed as part of the outbreak control measures," a department spokesperson said.
"The compensation may not exceed the open market value of the animal or item.
"Compensation is payable only to the owner of the animals or items affected.
"The level of compensation is calculated based on the breed, the age, the number of animals culled, and the open market value of the poultry or captive birds."
According to DAFM, the 2025 winter period was "challenging", with "HPAI outbreaks affecting five commercial poultry sites".
Outbreaks in Ireland during 2025 occurred in counties Cavan, Carlow, Laois, Meath and Monaghan.
Avian influenza screening
The department carried out 1,766 avian influenza-screening PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests from October 2025 to May 22, 2026.
Of these, 237 tested positive, which include samples taken from five infected poultry farms and one infected captive birds establishment in October and November 2025, DAFM said.
"Ireland is currently in a lower risk period for an incursion of HPAI with rising temperatures reducing the survival of the virus in the environment and the departure of migratory birds," a DAFM spokesperson said.
"Although the risk has reduced, it has not disappeared and poultry and captive bird keepers should maintain strict biosecurity in order to protect their flocks from the disease."
Ireland's self-declaration of HPAI-free was recognised and published by the World Organisation for Animal Health in January 2026.
In early May, the housing order introduced in November 2025 to protect poultry and captive birds during the higher risk period of avian influenza, was lifted.
