Avian Influenza Confirmed at Fota Wildlife Park
A confirmed case of avian influenza has led to the temporary closure of Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork, Ireland, until further notice. The positive results pertain to three dead geese and a fourth sick goose that were part of a flock of 20 birds residing at the park. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon announced the findings on Tuesday evening, stating that samples tested positive for the avian influenza virus.
The Department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston, County Kildare, conducted the tests after a veterinary practitioner reported concerns about 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,” the minister said. “The preliminary test results are positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus. Further laboratory testing will be carried out tomorrow to determine pathogenicity.”
The situation has prompted an on-site veterinary epidemiological investigation at Fota. The aim is to understand how the outbreak developed and to inform decisions on the park’s management in the coming days. The Department notes that results from ongoing testing will guide response measures, including any necessary biosecurity steps and potential restrictions on animal movement within the park.
What We Know About the Strain and Risk
H5N1 is the strain identified in the Fota cases. While avian influenza viruses are common in wild birds, outbreaks in captive collections raise particular concerns for animal health staff and visitors. In this instance, the Health Service Executive and Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE-HPSC) have assessed the immediate public health risk as low for the general public. The risk is considered low-to-medium for individuals who work closely with the birds and require appropriate protective measures in such environments.
Officials emphasize that the assessment could evolve as more information becomes available from laboratory tests that determine the virus’s pathogenicity. These results will help determine whether any additional public health advisories or precautionary actions are warranted for visitors or staff at the park.
Context Within Ireland’s Avian Influenza Landscape
This year has seen a notable number of avian influenza cases among wild birds in Ireland, with 41 reported instances so far in 2024 alone. The latest incidents before Fota occurred at The Lough in Cork, illustrating that outbreaks remain a continuing concern for wildlife health authorities and poultry sectors alike. The current Fota investigation will be closely watched as part of broader efforts to monitor and contain avian influenza in the region.
Minister Heydon highlighted that the situation at Fota is under careful review, and decisions on how to manage the outbreak will be informed by the epidemiological findings. He also reminded the public that the park’s closure is a precautionary measure designed to protect both animal and human health while investigations proceed.
What Visitors and the Public Should Know
At this point, there is no indication that the general public is at risk from this strain. Those who work in proximity to the birds should follow all posted safety guidelines and any instructions from park staff or public health authorities. Anyone who might have had contact with the birds or their enclosure is advised to monitor for any symptoms and seek medical advice as appropriate if symptoms arise. The park has committed to providing updates as the investigation progresses and as more laboratory results become available.
