In the first episode of the 2025 season on AgriFocus, Agriland editor, Stella Meehan is joined by superintending veterinary inspector, Audrey Jenkinson from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to discuss avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Most recently, the highly pathogenic virus has been discovered in a wild buzzard in Dublin and another wild buzzard in Co. Galway.

There have also been multiple cases reported in the UK, across Europe and in the US, transferring to dairy cows and in some cases, farm workers.

In this episode, Jenkinson breaks down the different strains of avian influenza, the threat to Irish exports and whether or not humans are at risk.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.

*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance