Confirmed cases of bird flu closes Fota Wildlife Park until further notice

Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, confirmed the samples showed avian influenza virus in the birds

Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. /President of Ireland, Mary McAleese will perform the official opening of the new entrance complex on Monday 11th April 2011. /Pic; Larry Cummins, /Evening Echo staff

The department of agriculture has confirmed that samples taken from deceased birds at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork have showed up positive for bird flu.

The park is not expected to reopen until further notice.

The positive cases are linked to three dead geese and a fourth sick goose that were part of a flock of 20 at the park.

Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, confirmed on Tuesday evening that the samples showed avian influenza virus in the birds.

“Following a report from a veterinary practitioner to the Department, samples from a number of captive birds which had died at Fota were tested for avian influenza virus in the Department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston, Co. Kildare," said the minister.

“The preliminary test results are positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus. Further laboratory testing will be carried out tomorrow to determine pathogenicity. 

"A veterinary epidemiological investigation is being carried out, and the results of this will inform decisions on the management of this situation.”

The HSE-HPSC announced that risk to public health from this particular strain is considered low for the general public. 

It is a low-to-medium risk for those working in close proximity with the birds.

An investigation is being carried out on site in Fota, and the results of this will inform decisions on the management of this situation.

Mr Heydon said this year has seen 41 cases of avian influenza in wild birds alone. The latest of those outbreaks occurred just a few weeks ago at The Lough in Cork.