Fota Wildlife Park said it is maintaining robust biosecurity protocols to limit the risk of bird flu, after 11 dead swans were found last week in nearby Castlemartyr. Fota Wildlife Park, which is approximately 20km from Castlemartyr, was forced to close from October to December during last year’s outbreak of avian flu, resulting in the euthanising of more than 70 birds. Operational costs at Fota are approximately €120,000 per week, with the closure estimated to have cost the wildlife park more than €1m. “Fota Wildlife Park operates an extensive vaccination programme for all captive birds and has closed the duck feeder to discourage wild birds from congregating at the park,” a statement said. “Where they are not needed for surveillance, the routine collection of dead birds’ rests with the landowner.

Source: Irish Examiner March 15, 2026 20:14 UTC