Fota Wildlife Park to close temporarily amid suspected avian flu
Fota Wildlife Park in County Cork has announced a temporary closure on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure after a suspected outbreak of avian influenza. The park, which hosts hundreds of captive exotic birds alongside thousands of native species, is taking the step while tests are carried out to determine whether the disease is present in the park’s birds.
According to reports, a veterinarian raised concerns after three geese within the park were found dead. The birds have been sent for testing at the State Laboratory in County Kildare to establish if the cause is avian influenza, a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of birds and is notifiable to authorities when detected.
Fota Wildlife Park, which opened in 1983 and attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually, spans 40 hectares of grass and woodland near Belvelly, about 10km from Cork city. It is renowned for its conservation breeding programmes and a diverse collection of species, including Chilean flamingos, Indian peafowl, Humboldt penguins, great white pelicans, white-tailed sea eagles and ostriches. The park also provides habitat for a wide range of native birds that roam freely within its grounds, such as magpies, jackdaws, greylag geese, mallard ducks, wood pigeons, moorhen, black-headed gulls, little egrets, robins and wrens.
Why a temporary closure?
The decision to close is a precaution intended to protect both park staff and visitors while authorities assess the situation. Avian influenza can spread rapidly among birds, and routine containment measures focus on preventing the virus from spreading within the facility and into the surrounding environment. While the exact status of the suspected cases at Fota is not yet confirmed publicly, park officials are cooperating with veterinary and public health authorities to ensure a swift, science-based response.
Context: recent avian flu activity in Cork
The closure follows a wider concern over avian influenza in the Cork area. Earlier in September, Cork City Council confirmed that an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI (H5N1) was circulating among wild birds at the Lough, a four-hectare lake between Ballyphehane and Glasheen. Tests on birds found dead there indicated the presence of the virus, prompting ongoing intensive monitoring and swift removal protocols to limit spread. Officials stressed that the virus can survive in the environment for weeks, underscoring the need for caution even when carcasses are cleared.
What visitors should know
For those planning a visit, it is advisable to check the park’s official channels for updates on reopening dates and any changes to access. Authorities advise that people avoid touching or handling wild birds they encounter and practice good hand hygiene after outdoor activities. The situation remains under investigation, with additional testing and surveillance likely as part of standard disease-control measures.
Looking ahead
As Cork health and veterinary services continue to monitor both wildlife and domestic birds, the priority remains protecting animal health and public safety. If tests confirm avian influenza, authorities will implement enhanced disease-control steps and advise the public accordingly. The incident at Fota would mark the second notable avian flu episode in Cork within a short period, following the Lough outbreak, which has heightened vigilance across the region.
In the meantime, Fota Wildlife Park’s staff, conservation partners and visitors await confirmation while the park prepares for a careful reopening that prioritizes biosecurity and animal welfare.
