Fota Wildlife Park Confirms Avian Influenza Cases, Remains Closed

Cork's Fota Wildlife Park has confirmed that captive birds at the attraction have tested positive for avian influenza virus (H5N1), following laboratory analysis by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The popular wildlife park will remain closed until further notice as authorities manage the outbreak.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed today, Tuesday 14 October, that samples taken from birds which died at the East Cork attraction have tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus. The confirmation comes just one day after the park suspended public access due to suspected cases.

Fota Wildlife Park announced the closure yesterday evening after reporting suspected avian influenza cases to the Department of Agriculture. The park initially closed for Tuesday 14 October and Wednesday 15 October, but has now extended the closure indefinitely pending further direction from the Department.

The park has stated it will share further updates in due course, though no timeline has been provided for when the attraction might reopen to visitors. The Department of Agriculture is managing the response to the outbreak in accordance with national disease control protocols.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds. The H5N1 strain is considered highly pathogenic and has led to significant outbreaks in bird populations across Europe in recent years.

Visitors who had planned to visit Fota Wildlife Park should check the attraction's official channels for updates before travelling. The park, located on Fota Island near Carrigtwohill, is one of Cork's most popular family attractions and is home to numerous exotic and endangered species.