Influenza (Avian)
Influenza (Avian)
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is a disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It can affect all species of birds, some other animals (e.g. cats, horses) and can very rarely infect humans. Only the virus types of the H5 and H7 types are known to cause the highly pathogenic (HPAI) form of the disease. The most well-known example is the avian influenza subtype H5N1 viruses currently circulating in poultry in parts of Asia and northeast Africa, which have caused human disease and deaths since 1997. Other avian influenza subtypes, including H7N9 and H9N2, have also infected people. Some of these infections have been very severe and some have resulted in deaths, but many infections have been mild or even without symptoms in humans.
For queries relating to dead birds please contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Guidance
Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for the management of suspected/ confirmed High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCIDs) in Acute Healthcare settings
31, Oct 2025
1.53 MB
Guidance and algorithms for the management of contacts of HPAI
This guidance is under review as of 27th March 2025.
Management of contacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b
29, Oct 2023
468.88 KB
Algorithm 1 - Public Health Response to a human exposure to a confirmed/suspect case of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in both avian and mammal species
29, Oct 2023
147.85 KB
Algorithm 2: Investigation and management of possible human cases of avian influenza in known contacts under Public Health Surveillance
29, Oct 2023
206.35 KB
Algorithm 3: Investigation and management of possible human cases of avian influenza in individuals not under Public Health surveillance
29, Oct 2023
219.23 KB
Information, Data and Reports for Influenza (Avian)
Ireland’s specialist service for the surveillance of communicable diseases.