'Robust' biosecurity measures at Fota after bird flu outbreak in East Cork

Fota Wildlife Park, which is approximately 20km from Castlemartyr, was forced to close from October to December during last year’s outbreak of avian flu

The carcasses of dead swans remain in place at Loughaderra lake at Castlemartyr, East Cork at lunchtime on Friday,  March 13. Picture: Larry Cummins

Fota Wildlife Park said it is maintaining robust biosecurity protocols to limit the risk of bird flu, after 11 dead swans were found last week in nearby Castlemartyr.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed that one of the flock of dead swans, found on private land at Loughaderry Lake near Castlemartyr on Thursday, had tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu.