Fota Wildlife Park in Co Cork will be closed tomorrow and Wednesday due to reports of suspected cases of a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, or bird flu.
It is understood a vet at the park reported the suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in three dead geese and a fourth sick goose that were part of a flock of 20 at the park.
Samples were taken today from the animals and are being tested at the State Laboratory in Backweston, Co Kildare.
The results are expected within 24 hours.
In the meantime, a veterinary investigation is ongoing on site at Fota.
Once the investigation is complete, a risk assessment will be carried out in relation to bird flu and either a protection zone of 3km or an exclusion zone of 10km could be implemented at the site.
A statement on behalf of the wildlife park said public access will be suspended tomorrow and Wednesday.
Earlier this month, a suspected case of bird flu was detected in a commercial poultry flock near Omagh in Co Tyrone.
Disease control measures including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of a control zone of 10km around the farm were put in place to reduce the risk of disease spread.
No outbreaks of the HPAI strain were detected in commercial poultry flocks in Ireland last year or so far in 2025, however, 41 wild birds have tested positive for the disease here so far this year.
Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report any episodes of sick or dead wild birds to their regional veterinary office or, if outside business hours, to contact the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01 492 8026 or use the Department of Agriculture's 'Avian Check' app.
