Birds at Irish Zoos Move Inside to Avoid Bird Flu

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 12, 2022 8:40 pm

File photo of a flock of flamingoes. They are among the species moved inside to protect against bird flu.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

Birds at Dublin Zoo and FOTA Wildlife Park in Ireland have been moved inside to protect against the threat of avian flu which is spreading within the United Kingdom.

A number of areas across the United Kingdom have reported outbreaks prompting the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine to advise that zoos bring their precious birds inside.

Dublin Zoo said in a statement that their 'Humboldt penguin, Chilean flamingo, waldrapp ibis, ostrich, little egret, peafowl, citron-crested cockatoo and Indian runner duck,' would be off exhibit.

At FOTA Wildlife Park species such as the Humboldt penguin and the blue-throated macaw have been taken inside.

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By being inside the birds will be protected against exposure to wild migratory birds which may be carrying avian influenza.

The parks will maintain the birds off display until advised that it is safe for them to return by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.

Their decision comes following news last week that an outbreak of avian malaria at Dudley Zoo had led to the loss of a large portion of their Humboldt penguin colony. You can read more about that outbreak here – Penguin Colony at Dudley Zoo Devastated by Avian Malaria

Learn more about Birds here – Bird Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Dublin Zoo on their website – Dublin Zoo

Learn more about Fota Wildlife Park on their website – Fota Wildlife Park