Birds euthanised at Fota to stop virus

A number of birds are to be humanely euthanise at Fota Wildlife Park with the beloved Cork attraction to remain closed following an outbreak of bird flu.

The eleven greylag geese will be euthanised as a last resort measure to stop the spread of the virus which originated from wild bird populations in the Cork Harbour area.

A statement from ownership confirmed that the park will remain closed for a number of weeks.

“This is an extremely difficult time for everyone at Fota Wildlife Park,” said Aileen Tennant, Director, Fota Wildlife Park.

“This action is being taken based on expert veterinary advice and our unwavering commitment to safeguarding birds in our care, especially our endangered breeding species.”

Fota Wildlife Park, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has begun implementing a comprehensive strategy of mitigation measures including isolating the bird species in its care from the wild population and the construction of new temporary aviaries to house birds through the winter months, in order to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds.

Ms Tennant said: “We are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness.

“We are working with DAFM on implementing our longer-term strategy, which includes the construction of new aviaries for our birds to limit further risk from wild populations.

“I want to reassure the public that while our gates remain closed, our animal care team is continuing to deliver the highest standards of care for all of the animals at Fota Wildlife Park.

“We look forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the park when the site is officially deemed safe to reopen,” Ms Tennant concluded.

Fota Wildlife Park is home to 21 species of captive birds with approximately 168 birds in total.

While many of the birds at the park are captive, they do come in contact with visiting migratory birds. Bird flu or avian influenza is a type of influenza that primarily affects wild birds and poultry, and which can also occasionally infect some mammals and humans.

It is very unusual for people to catch bird flu, but it can happen.