Fota Wildlife Park in Cork Temporarily Closes Due to Suspected Bird Flu Outbreak
The Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork has announced its temporary closure due to a suspected bird flu outbreak. The park will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure.
Details of the Suspected Bird Flu Outbreak
The closure follows the death of three geese at the park. A veterinary examination raised concerns, prompting testing at the State Laboratory in County Kildare. This testing will determine if the geese were infected with the highly contagious avian influenza virus.
About Fota Wildlife Park
- Established in 1983
- Attracts over 400,000 visitors annually
- Covers 40 hectares near Belvelly in East Cork
- Home to hundreds of exotic and native bird species
Fota Wildlife Park hosts various exotic birds, including:
- Chilean flamingos
- Indian peafowl
- Humboldt penguins
- Great white pelicans
- White-tailed sea eagles
- Ostriches
Additionally, the park features free-roaming native birds like magpies, jackdaws, and mallard ducks.
Previous Outbreak in Cork
If tests confirm the recent cases at Fota Wildlife Park, it marks the second avian flu outbreak in Cork within a month. Earlier, on September 23, Cork City Council reported cases among wild birds at Lough, a popular freshwater lake in the city.
Health and Safety Measures
The Cork City Council confirmed that the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza HPAI (H5N1) was detected in birds found deceased at Lough. The disease poses significant risks to both wild and domestic birds.
- Highly contagious among birds
- Affects respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems
- Considered a notifiable animal disease
Collaboratively with the Cork Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA), the council is providing guidance to the Department of Agriculture. Enhanced monitoring and protocols are in place to manage the situation effectively.
Experts warn that the avian influenza virus can persist in the environment for weeks, especially through infected bird droppings. The presence of the virus in the environment remains a concern, regardless of bird carcass removal.
The situation at Fota Wildlife Park will be closely monitored as authorities take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks posed by the suspected avian flu outbreak.
