An ostrich flock at Fota Wildlife Park in Cork has had to be put down after a bird died from suspected avian tuberculosis (TB).
Director of Fota Dr David Gibson said the park had bought the four ostriches from a private collection in Ireland.
“One bird died in unusual circumstances. The circumstances were so unusual a post mortem was carried out which showed lesions in the bird’s liver which is an indication of avian TB,” he said.
Avian TB is one of the most common diseases affecting wild birds and is so common, it is not a notifiable disease.
“However, as a precautionary measure in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture a decision was made to put down the remainder of the flock to stop it spreading to the park’s remaining collection of 35 bird species,” said Dr Gibson.
The park will replace the ostriches over the next couple of months.