Fota Wildlife Park has confirmed the decision to euthanise some of its Greylag Goose population following 11 confirmed cases of H5N1 Avian Influenza at the popular tourist attraction.
In a statement, the wildlife park said it is to remain closed "for a number of weeks" as mitigating measures to limit risk of further infection from wild birds, are implemented.
Fota Wildlife Park Director Aileen Tennant said it was an "extremely difficult decision" to euthanise some of its impacted Greylag Goose population, but this "difficult, last-resort measure is necessary to prevent wider transmission and protect the Park's rare and genetically important conservation collection".
She said that in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine they have put in place a number of mitigation measures, including isolating its bird species from the wild bird population in the Cork harbour area.
Temporary aviaries have also been constructed to limit the risk of further infection from wild birds.
Ms Tennant said this is "an extremely difficult time for everyone", and they are treating the situation with "the utmost seriousness".
She said they are looking forward to welcoming visitors back "when the site is officially deemed safe to re-open".
Fota is 10km east of Cork city. It attracts around 430,000 visitors per year and is one of the country's most popular visitor attractions.
