Cork City Council has confirmed an avian influenza outbreak at the popular Lough Wildlife Sanctuary following the discovery of multiple dead birds that tested positive for the virus.
Members of the public visiting the south Cork city amenity are being urged not to touch sick or dead wild birds or handle bird feathers found in the area. Visitors should also avoid bringing sick wild birds home and keep pets away from affected wildlife.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems of wild birds and poultry. While it poses a notifiable threat to bird populations, human infections are extremely rare, though the disease can threaten people and other animals in certain circumstances.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine holds responsibility for avian influenza testing in Ireland. Cork City Council, which manages The Lough, is working alongside the Cork Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to provide expert advice to DAFM regarding the wild bird cases.
Intensive monitoring and surveillance of birds at the sanctuary is underway, with established protocols ensuring swift removal of sick or dead birds. However, authorities warn that the virus can survive for several weeks in the environment, as infected bird droppings contain high viral levels, meaning areas can remain infectious even after carcass removal.
The public can report sick or dead birds to Cork City Council or DAFM through the local regional veterinary office using the Avian Check Wild Bird App at https://aviancheck.apps.services.agriculture.gov.ie/, or by contacting the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026 for out-of-hours reports.
The outbreak represents a significant concern for the sanctuary, which serves as an important habitat for various bird species and a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families in Cork.