The suspected cases of the highly-contagious avian influenza were reported by the wildlife park to the Department of Agriculture and as a result, the park will be closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14 and 15.
In a statement, the wildlife park said: “Following a report from Fota Wildlife to the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu), public access to the Wildlife Park will be suspended on Tuesday Oct 14 and Wednesday Oct 15 inclusive.
“Further updates will be shared in due course,” the park said.
A vet at the park is believed to have reported the suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in three dead geese and a fourth sick goose that were part of a flock of 20 at the park, RTÉ News reported.
Samples from the animals in question are being are being processed at the State Laboratory in Backweston, Co Kildare. The results of tests taken today of the animals are expected tomorrow, RTÉ said.
Fota Wildlife Park
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, October 14
A veterinary investigation is also ongoing on site at Fota.
A risk assessment is likely to be carried out by investigators and either a protection zone of 3km or an exclusion zone of 10km could be put around the site as a precaution, should the tests be positive.
Late last month, Cork City Council advised those visiting The Lough amenity in Cork city to stay away from birds at the site, which also operates as a wildfowl sanctuary.
The public were advised to avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds following confirmation of several cases of avian influenza.
The Department of Agriculture later confirmed cases of low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses which do not pose a risk to human health, however they still advised the public to maintain distance from sick or dead birds.
Bird flu is highly contagious amongst birds and it is a notifiable animal disease.
It is a viral disease which affects the respiratory, digestive and or nervous system of many species of wild birds and poultry.
It can also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances, but these types of infections are rare.
Members of the public are advised to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to their regional veterinary office or, if outside business hours, to contact the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026 or use the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Avian Check’ app.