Public told follow bird-flu safety policies at Cork's Lough

Cork public representatives have called for people to follow guidelines at The Lough amid a potential resurgence of bird flu.

Two dead swans and a dead duck were removed from The Lough over the weekend. Cork City Council confirmed the remains were being transported to a Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine laboratory for testing to confirm the presence or otherwise of bird flu.

It will take at least 10 days before the results of these tests are formally confirmed, so it will not be known until next week if bird flu is once again present at the amenity.

In the meantime, biosecurity measures that were introduced at The Lough in September, following the first confirmed case of bird flu there, remain in place.

Cork TD and minister of state with responsibility for biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, told The Echo that the bird flu virus “can survive in the environment for several weeks”.

“So, while these tests are carried out, it’s vital that we all follow the biosecurity guidance to help protect wild birds as well as farmed flocks,” he said. “I’m appealing to everyone that if they see sick or dead birds, not to touch them, keep dogs on leads, and contact the Department of Agriculture, who are doing great work in managing the situation.”

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said that the disease was an ongoing threat to the amenity. “Cork people have been very understanding with the bird flu at The Lough. This strain certainly has been one of the greatest threats to The Lough’s biosecurity in years. The bird flu is very stubbornly remaining, and people’s co-operation is continued to be needed in the weeks to come. The council’s parks department is doing all that it can to quash the bird flu.”

It comes as Fota Wildlife Park remains closed following at least 12 confirmed cases of bird flu there, with a decision on its reopening by the Department of Agriculture due next week.