Fota Wildlife Park extends closure over bird flu outbreak

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Fota Wildlife Park will remain closed to the public until at least the end of November after a bird flu outbreak, it has been confirmed.

Bosses at the 100-acre not-for-profit wildlife park first announced a closure on October 14th in response to the detection of avian flu.

The Co Cork facility, which cares for several different animal species in danger of extinction, said it is expected to remain closed for a minimum of another three weeks.

A statement said it made the decision based on an “ongoing assessment” of the national avian flu situation.

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

Twelve cases of avian influenza have been confirmed within Fota Wildlife Park’s collection since the outbreak began.

The park said it had taken the “difficult decision” to “humanely euthanise” 73 birds at the site.

It said this was part of a limited population management measure for non-endangered avian species.

In a statement, it said it had engaged with the Department of Agriculture to develop comprehensive and targeted mitigation measures.

It said: “This includes isolating the bird species in its care from the wild population, and the construction of temporary aviaries to house birds. This is being done to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds.”

It added: “Due to the seriousness of the avian flu outbreak, this was the only option that could be taken in order to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare for the park’s remaining birds, and in order to minimise the transmission of the virus within the park.

Eighty-three birds have been separated from the wild population and are isolated and/or housed in temporary aviaries.

Fota Wildlife Park said this is considered to be a “highly effective approach” to protect birds from exposure to wild birds carrying avian influenza.

These birds are all vaccinated but will continue to be tested.

At this time, the park’s bird population is testing negative for avian influenza.

Aileen Tennant, director at Fota Wildlife Park, said: “This very serious situation, which originated from wild bird populations, requires a concerted national effort from all facilities caring for birds.

“Fota Wildlife Park is fully committed to playing our part in proactively maintaining our robust biosecurity measures and protecting the birds in our care.

“Our visitors and supporters are the lifeblood of this park, and we are incredibly grateful for the public support we have always received.

“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.”

Ms Tennant said the park incurs operational expenses of an average €120,000 each week.

“Consequently, being closed for multiple weeks could generate monthly revenue losses of approximately €320,000.

“Additionally, further financial impacts are being felt from the loss of annual passes, retail sales, gift vouchers and onsite catering.”

She asked the public to continue supporting the park through donations and sponsorships.