Samples taken from birds at Fota Wildlife Park test positive for bird flu

Olivia Kelleher

Samples taken from captive birds found dead at Fota Wildlife Park have tested positive for avian influenza or bird flu, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed.

As The Echo reports, the park, which is home to more than 50 species of birds, said in a statement on Monday night that the park would not reopen to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday due to suspected avian influenza.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, confirmed on Tuesday evening that samples taken from captive birds that died at Fota Wildlife Park have tested positive for avian influenza virus.

A statement from the minister said: “Following a report from a veterinary practitioner to the Department, samples from a number of captive birds which had died at Fota were tested for avian influenza virus in the Department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston, Co. Kildare.

“The preliminary test results are positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus. Further laboratory testing will be carried out tomorrow to determine pathogenicity. A veterinary epidemiological investigation is being carried out, and the results of this will inform decisions on the management of this situation.”

The HSE-HPSC has advised that the risk to public health from the strain of avian influenza currently circulating (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1) is considered low for the general public, and low to medium for occupationally exposed people.

Fota Wildlife Park is home to over 100 animal species, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction in the wild.

The park actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes for species such as the Asian lion, Indian rhino, Northern cheetah, and red panda.

It collaborates with zoological organisations across Europe and the UK under the guidance of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The park first opened to the public in June 1983.

Following a report from Fota Wildlife to the Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding suspected cases of avian influenza (bird flu) public access to the Wildlife Park will be suspended on Tue Oct 14th & Wed Oct 15th inclusive
Further updates will be shared in due course pic.twitter.com/6udLztBt2M

— Fota Wildlife Park (@fotawildlife) October 13, 2025