THE DEPARTMENT OF Agriculture has confirmed that samples taken from captive birds which died at Fota Wildlife Park have tested positive for avian influenza virus.

Yesterday, Fota Wildlife Park Co Cork confirmed that it would close to the public today and tomorrow after suspected cases of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

A spokesperson today said the park will remain closed until further notice and that further updates will be shared in due course.

This evening, the Department confirmed that samples from a number of captive birds which had died at Fota were tested for bird flu and that the preliminary test results are positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus.

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

Further laboratory testing will be carried out tomorrow to determine pathogenicity, which is the ability of a microorganism to induce disease.

A Department spokesperson said a veterinary epidemiological investigation is being carried out and the results of this will inform decisions on the management of this situation.

Minister Martin Heydon has used the positive samples 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.

So far this year, a total of 41 cases of bird flu in wild birds have been detected.

The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of bird flu currently circulating is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.