Bird flu cases confirmed at Fota Wildlife Park

Cases of avian flu have been confirmed at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork.

A vet at the park reported the deaths of several captive birds to the Department of Agriculture and samples were subsequently tested at the department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston in Co Kildare.

The preliminary test results have come back positive for the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Further laboratory testing will be carried out on Wednesday. The department said a veterinary epidemiological investigation was being carried out and the results of that will inform decisions on the management of the situation.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon stressed the importance of biosecurity to protect poultry and captive birds.

“Biosecurity is the single most effective way to prevent the virus spreading from wild birds into poultry, or between poultry flocks,” he said.

“The detection of H5N1 avian influenza virus in captive birds from Fota Wildlife Park highlights the ongoing risk posed by avian influenza and is a reminder to all who keep poultry, whether commercial holdings or those who have some backyard hens, to stay aware and take precautions to prevent contact with or contamination from wild birds.

“Report any suspicions of avian influenza to your local Regional Veterinary Office without delay.”

In recent months, there have been several cases of avian flu detected in wild birds in Ireland, mainly sea birds in coastal areas.

Earlier this month, around 23,000 chickens were culled at a commercial business in Omagh, Co Tyrone after suspected cases of bird flu were detected.

As well as the cull of all poultry on the site of the broiler breeder premises, temporary control zones (TCZ) were introduced in the wider area to mitigate onward disease spread.