Analysis: Yes, there will be turkeys in the shops despite bird flu outbreaks, but you may pay slightly more than in past years due to rising production costs
By Declan Bolton, Teagasc
Turkey is a key part of Christmas celebrations across Ireland every year. The festive season tradition of serving turkey has long been a staple for families nationwide and Irish poultry farmers work hard throughout the year to meet this seasonal demand. Approximately 1.5 million turkeys are produced annually in Ireland, with around one million consumed over the Christmas period alone. Irish farms will supply roughly 850,000 birds of this seasonal demand, with the remainder imported from Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Despite the reliability of this supply chain over the years, the 2025-2026 season has brought heightened attention to the poultry sector due to the ongoing presence of avian influenza (bird flu) in Europe and North America. Outbreaks of this type A influenza virus have been reported across several EU member states as well as in the United States, raising understandable concerns among farmers, retailers and consumers.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, RTÉ Agriculture Correspondent Aengus Cox reports on an outbreak of bird flu in a commercial turkey flock in Co Monaghan
These viruses are commonly carried by wild birds traveling long distances during seasonal migrations. As Ireland is located along key migratory bird pathways, it is especially vulnerable and the detection in of such viruses during the winter months here is not unusual.
Bird flu in Ireland this year
What distinguishes this season from previous ones is the earlier implementation of a compulsory housing order for all poultry. Last season, authorities did not issue such an order until February 2025, but it has been introduced significantly earlier this season in response to multiple outbreaks in commercial flocks. This measure complements the strict biosecurity in operation on Irish poultry farms and means that all poultry must now be kept indoors to minimize contact with wild birds and reduce the risk of infection.
From a biosecurity perspective, the compulsory housing order is an essential measure. IFA poultry committee chairman Nigel Sweetman said that keeping poultry indoors is estimated to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission by 90%, making it one of the most effective tools available to farmers and regulators. This intervention aims not only to protect the health of birds but also to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers who depend on a successful Christmas season.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's This Week, Co Kildare turkey farmer Billy Gray and Teagasc Poultry Advisor Rebecca Tierney on the introducton of a compulsory housing order for all poultry
In 2025, bird flu was detected in wild birds in counties Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Offaly, Roscommon and Wexford. In recent weeks there have been several confirmed cases across commercial operations in Carlow, Meath and Monaghan. As a result, approximately 45,000 turkeys have been culled to contain the spread of the virus and protect the wider poultry population.
While this number may seem significant, industry sources say the overall supply of turkeys for Christmas remains secure. Dave Lang from the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland (ACBI) told the Irish Times that "there are still plenty out there" despite the outbreaks.
Will the price of turkey go up this Christmas as a result?
While supply is expected to remain steady, Irish shoppers are likely to notice that the price of Christmas turkeys will be higher than last year. However, as Prof Thia Hennessy from UCC notes, this price increase is not due to bird flu. but reflects the broader economic pressures that have been affecting poultry producers over the past several years.
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From RTÉ Brainstorm, why Ireland goes mad for turkey at Christmas
The costs associated with feed, energy and labour have all risen sharply, putting significant strain on producers. For example, in 2024 the price of chicken fillets increased by up to 50%, highlighting the inflationary pressures across the sector. As producers grapple with these rising costs, retail prices inevitably follow.
The combination of increased production costs, additional biosecurity measures and a complex global market has shaped a challenging environment for Irish poultry farmers. Nonetheless, thanks to careful planning and strong domestic production, industry leaders remain confident that Irish households will be able to enjoy their traditional Christmas dinners without disruption.
Does bird flu pose a threat to humans?
Beyond the economic and supply considerations, many consumers have questions about the risks of avian influenza to humans. Although bird flu can infect people, such occurrences are extremely rare, and according to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland the virus is not transmitted through the consumption of properly cooked poultry or eggs (even if contaminated with the virus prior to cooking).
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline, bird farmers and owners talk about the impact the current bird flu risk is having
Human infections typically occur only in cases of close contact with infected birds or contaminated environment and those at risk include farm workers, wildlife handlers and individuals involved in the disposal of infected birds. Crucially, human-to-human transmission is also very uncommon, and the reported cases globally remain limited and isolated.
For individuals who handle poultry, especially sick or dead birds, the Health and Safety Authority have provided comprehensive advice, including the wearing of appropriate protective gear. These precautions help minimize exposure and prevent accidental transmission. For the general public, however, the risk remains extremely low and standard food safety practices, such as thoroughly cooking poultry and washing hands and surfaces are more than sufficient to ensure safety.
Turkey is still on the menu for 2025
As if the Christmas season wasn't busy enough for them, the poultry sector will have to balance market pressures, biosecurity challenges and consumer expectations this year. While disruptive and costly for farmers, the early housing order plays an essential role in protecting the poultry population and maintaining Ireland’s strong track record of managing avian influenza risks. With strong domestic production capacity and proactive disease-control measures in place, industry representatives reaffirm that Christmas turkey supplies are secure.
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From RTÉ Archives, RTÉ News report on the rising price of turkeys for Christmas in 1979
While avian influenza continues to pose challenges across Europe and beyond, Ireland’s poultry industry has responded swiftly and effectively. Through early intervention, strict biosecurity measures and transparent communication, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc and the farmers are working together to ensure a safe and abundant supply of Irish turkeys for the festive season. The take-home message for consumers is that there will be turkeys for Christmas, though shoppers may pay slightly more than in previous years due to rising production costs, rather than disease outbreaks.
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Prof Declan Bolton is a Principal Research Officer in Teagasc and Adjunct Professor in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UCD
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
