As per reports, on Tuesday (14 October), Ireland’s Department of Agriculture reportedly confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1) among captive birds at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork following the deaths of several birds.

• Preliminary testing conducted at the Department’s veterinary laboratory in Backweston, County Kildare, returned positive results for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.
• Further laboratory testing is reportedly underway to determine the pathogenicity of the virus.
• A veterinary epidemiological investigation has been initiated to trace potential sources of infection, assess the level of risk to other animals, and determine containment measures.
• The Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, reportedly emphasized the importance of immediate biosecurity measures to prevent further spread, particularly from wild to captive or domestic bird populations.
• The park’s veterinary team continues to cooperate with government veterinary authorities to manage the outbreak and monitor other susceptible species.