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Avian influenza in Ireland: a spatiotemporal, subtype and host-based analysis (1983-2024)
Maeve Louise Farrell1,2, Guy McGrath3, Laura Garza Cuartero4
1Veterinary Sciences Centre, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
The Journal of General Virology
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Avian influenza virus (AIV) detections in Ireland show H5N1 as the dominant subtype, primarily in wild birds. Surveillance reveals evolving spatial and seasonal patterns, with urban clustering and summer peaks noted.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Wildlife Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Avian influenza virus (AIV) poses a significant global threat to avian and mammalian populations.
- Understanding AIV epidemiology is crucial for effective disease control and prevention.
- Previous comprehensive reviews of AIV surveillance data in Ireland were lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a retrospective analysis of AIV detections in the Republic of Ireland.
- To assess spatio-temporal, host-specific, and subtype patterns of AIV.
- To provide insights for refining national AIV surveillance strategies.
Main Methods:
- Data compilation from official surveillance, peer-reviewed, and grey literature sources.
- Retrospective analysis of 2,888 confirmed AIV detections across 25 counties.
- Statistical analysis including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, linear regression, and kernel density estimations.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,888 AIV detections were recorded, predominantly in wild birds (98.7%).
- H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the most prevalent subtype (96.7%).
- Spatial clustering observed in urban areas (e.g., Dublin), with a summer seasonal peak and unusual migratory species detections.
Conclusions:
- AIV surveillance in Ireland reveals evolving distribution, seasonality, and host dynamics.
- Findings suggest potential climate-related shifts influencing bird migration and virus transmission.
- Enhanced cross-species monitoring and ecological data integration are vital for future AIV management.
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