Fota Wildlife Park Closes Amid Avian Influenza Outbreak
The popular Fota Wildlife Park in Cork has temporarily closed its gates as health authorities respond to an outbreak of avian influenza on site. The park’s management confirmed that three dead geese and a fourth sick goose, part of a flock of 20, tested positive for the H5N1 strain, prompting the park to halt visitor access “until further notice.”
What Happened and What’s Known So Far
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon announced that samples from the affected birds showed avian influenza when analyzed at the Department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston, County Kildare. He noted that preliminary tests indicate the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, with further laboratory testing to determine pathogenicity slated for the following day.
“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. A veterinary epidemiological investigation is being carried out, and the results of this will inform decisions on the management of this situation.”
What This Means for Visitors and Staff
The Health Service Executive and Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE-HPSC) have assessed the risk to public health as low for the general public with this particular strain. For people who work closely with birds, the risk is described as low-to-medium. This distinction underscores the importance of standard biosecurity measures around affected birds and in animal-handling environments.
On-Site Investigation and Future Steps
An on-site veterinary epidemiological investigation is underway at Fota to determine how the illness may have spread within the flock and to assess any broader risks. The findings from this field work will guide management decisions, including any additional containment measures or further monitoring across the park’s avian enclosures.
Park officials have emphasized that the closure is a precautionary measure designed to safeguard both animal health and public safety until a full assessment is completed and it is deemed safe to reopen.
Context: Avian Influenza in Ireland
This year has seen an uptick in avian influenza cases among wild birds across Ireland. Minister Heydon pointed out that there have been 41 confirmed cases in wild birds this year alone, with the most recent outbreak reported at The Lough in Cork just weeks prior. The current incident at Fota adds to ongoing efforts by authorities to monitoring, test, and manage avian populations and domestic and captive birds to curb spread.
What Visitors Should Do
For those planning a trip to the area, it’s prudent to stay informed through official updates from Fota Wildlife Park and the Department of Agriculture. If you have concerns about birds in your care or in your community, contact local veterinary services or public health authorities. Public health guidance remains focused on standard precautions when handling birds and poultry.
Implications for Conservation and Tourism
Incidents like this can affect visitor numbers and park operations in the short term, but authorities emphasize that swift testing and targeted containment help protect both wildlife and human health. Parks and wildlife reserves across the region may review biosecurity protocols and visitor management plans to reduce future risk while still promoting conservation education and responsible wildlife viewing.
Key Takeaways
- H5N1 avian influenza confirmed in geese at Fota Wildlife Park; park closed until further notice.
- Public health risk considered low for the general public; low-to-medium risk for close-contact workers.
- Ongoing veterinary epidemiological investigation will guide reopening and management decisions.
