Overview
- The park reported suspected avian influenza to the Department of Agriculture and suspended public access on October 14–15.
- RTÉ reported that a park vet believed highly pathogenic avian influenza was involved after three geese were found dead and a fourth was ill in a flock of about 20.
- Samples are being processed at the State Laboratory in Backweston and a veterinary investigation is underway on site at Fota.
- If infection is confirmed, investigators may impose a 3km protection zone or a 10km exclusion zone around the park.
- Authorities urge the public to avoid sick or dead wild birds and report sightings via regional veterinary offices, the National Disease Emergency Hotline, or the Avian Check app, following recent low-pathogenic detections at The Lough.