Fota to remain closed as 73 birds put down

More than 70 birds have now been euthanised at Fota Wildlife Park which will remain closed for at least another three weeks following an outbreak of bird flu.

So far, 12 cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have been confirmed at the popular park.

Ownership confirmed that 73 birds in total from the park’s collection have been humanely euthanised as a limited population management measure for non-endangered avian species.

Additionally, 83 birds have been separated from the wild population in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. These birds are all vaccinated but will continue to be tested.

Park ownership confirmed that at the time of writing, the park’s remaining bird population is testing negative for avian influenza.

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

It is believed that the virus originated from wild bird populations in the Cork Harbour area which came in contact with birds from the park.

Fota will now remain closed for three weeks at which point the situation will be assessed again.

While its gates remain closed, the park stands to lose approximately €320,000 a month in revenue while continuing operational costs amount to an average of €120,000 each week.

Ownership is now asking the public to support of the park, which is a registered charity and a not-for-profit organisation, through donations or the sponsorship of an animal.

Fota Wildlife Park Director Aileen Tennant said: “Our visitors and supporters are the lifeblood of this park.

“The work of conservation and expert animal care cannot be put on hold because our gates are closed.

“Regrettably, the stark reality is that the ongoing closure of the park is having a significant financial impact on us, particularly the loss of our vital visitor revenue.

“At this difficult time, we are asking the public to continue their long-standing support for Fota Wildlife Park. You have always supported us by visiting in your thousands; now we ask you to continue your support in a different way while we are closed.”

The Lough

Restrictions remain in place at The Lough in Cork city, which is a registered wildfowl sanctuary, after a number of confirmed bird flu cases were reported in September.

Cork City Council confirmed that although no dead bird taken from the sanctuary has tested positive for the virus since 21 September, fishing restrictions remain in place as a precautionary measure given the situation at Fota.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, announced an outbreak of avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in county Carlow. Minister Heydon said: “This outbreak is a reminder to us all of the importance of robust biosecurity.

“Strict biosecurity is the best defence we have against the threat of avian influenza. Thankfully, the disease poses no food safety risk to consumers of well-cooked poultry products, including eggs.”

The department confirmed that the virus has been circulating widely in wild birds across the country during the past year with over 40 cases this year to date including those in Cork and Carlow.

Outbreaks have also been identified in poultry flocks in several European countries and the United Kingdom this year.