A rapid rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases has pushed European countries to impose strict containment measures, with millions of birds now ordered indoors. Ireland became the latest to enforce a nationwide poultry housing mandate after confirming its first outbreak in three years, joining France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Belgium in efforts to curb transmission from wild birds.

The virus’s early arrival and wider geographical spread this year have alarmed authorities and farmers. Europe has already recorded 688 outbreaks this season — more than triple the number seen at the same point last year. Bird flu previously led to mass culling, supply disruptions, and higher food prices, while also raising concerns about the potential for human transmission.

Germany has been hit hardest, with 58 farm outbreaks and around one million birds culled since August, far exceeding last year’s figures. Poland, the EU’s largest poultry producer, ranks second with 15 farm cases but has not imposed blanket indoor housing rules. With 15 of the EU’s 27 members already affected, officials warn the situation remains “very worrying” as the autumn migration season continues.

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