Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important point. Since early November, there have been four outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, caused by the H5N1 virus in turkey flocks in counties Carlow, Meath, Monaghan and, most recently, unfortunately, Laois.

My Department has been implementing disease control and eradication measures in line with the EU animal health law provisions and national legislation. This includes the placing of 3 km radius protection zones and 10 km radius surveillance zones around each holding where an outbreak has occurred, and implementing surveillance and disease control measures within these zones. Prior to this, an outbreak of HPAI occurred in a confined establishment in Cork in October. That establishment was closed while disease control measures were implemented in line with the legislation.

The H5N1 virus has been circulating in wild birds throughout the country during 2025, as we know, creating a serious and ongoing risk of infection to poultry and captive bird flocks. My Department's laboratories have completed 821 avian influenza PCR screening tests for suspected HPAI, H5N1 in poultry, captive birds and wild birds, since 1 September. Of the samples tested, 199 tested positive for some form of avian influenza.

My Department carries out avian influenza surveillance testing throughout the year in targeted dead wild birds to understand if avian influenza is circulating in the wild bird population. Strict biosecurity measures remain the best way for poultry and captive bird keepers to protect their flocks from the disease. Flock owners should remain vigilant of any signs of the disease and report any suspicion to their local regional veterinary office without delay.

I work closely with the Minister in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir MLA. This is one epidemiological island. The virus does not recognise invisible borders. Introducing a housing order and strict biosecurity measures together is important, particularly when we consider the importance of our commercial poultry flock in the Border regions.

See this speech in context