FOTA WILDELIFE PARK will remain closed until further notice as samples taken from four captive birds that died there have tested positive for avian influenza virus.

The park in Cork initially closed for two days after the disease, commonly known as bird flu, was discovered.

In an update today, a spokesperson said the team at Fota Wildlife Park has a robust zoonotic disease prevention and response programme in place, which includes a vaccination programme for the captive birds. 

It’s understood the positive cases were from dead geese that were part of a flock of 20.

Aileen Tennant, the park’s director, said it’s “an extremely uncertain and worrying time” for staff.

She said it is a “complex and dynamic” situation, but that they are working with the Department of Agriculture “with a focus on getting to the stage where the park can reopen when it is safe to do so”.

“We are very grateful for the outpouring of support from members of the public, visitors, annual pass holders, as well as from our partners and international colleagues,” she added.

Fota Wildlife Park has 21 species of captive birds, and around 168 birds in total. There are also more than 100 species of animals in the park, 75 of which are at risk of extinction. 

Earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon used the issue to emphasise the importance of biosecurity to protect poultry and captive birds.

He said the detection of bird flu in Fota Wildlife Park highlights the ongoing risk.

He added that it 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”.

He urged the public to report any suspicions of bird flu to the local Regional Veterinary Office “without delay”.

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