Fota Wildlife Park to remain closed for several weeks amid avian flu outbreak

Fota Wildlife Park confirmed 11 geese tested positive for H5N1, prompting a partial cull and temporary closure

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that deceased birds at Fota Wildlife Park, Cork, have tested positive for bird flu. Picture: Dan Linehan

Fota Wildlife Park is set to euthanise part of its goose population and remain closed for several weeks following an avian flu outbreak in the sanctuary.

The H5N1 strain, which originated from wild birds in the Cork Harbour area, was detected in 11 geese at Fota.

In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson said the park has made the "extremely difficult decision" to euthanise some of its affected Greylag Goose population.

"This difficult, last-resort measure is necessary to prevent wider transmission and protect the Park's rare and genetically important conservation collection," the spokesperson said. 

In consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fota has begun implementing a comprehensive mitigation strategy.

This includes isolating the park’s bird species from the wild population and constructing new temporary aviaries to house birds during winter, reducing the risk of further infection from wild birds.

Director of Fota Wildlife Park, Aileen Tennant, said they are treating the situation with the “utmost seriousness.”

"This is an extremely difficult time for everyone at Fota Wildlife Park. This action is being taken based on expert veterinary advice and our unwavering commitment to safeguarding birds in our care, especially our endangered breeding species. 

"Our extensive, pre-existing vaccination programme and robust biosecurity protocols have proven successful, with the vast majority of birds in the Park remaining healthy and showing no symptoms of illness.” 

It is the latest confirmed case of avian influenza in Cork, following an outbreak at The Lough at the end of September.

According to the HSE-HPSC, the risk to public health from this strain remains low for the general population and low to medium for those working closely with birds.