Zoos Hiding Birds As Avian Flu Spreads in North America –

Omaha, Neb. (AP) – North American zoos are moving birds in and out of humans and wildlife as they try to protect them from becoming highly contagious and possibly deadly. Bird flu.

Penguins may be the only birds that many visitors to the zoo see today, as they are already hidden indoors and are often protected behind glass in their exhibits, making it difficult for bird flu to reach. them.

Nearly 23 million chickens and turkeys have already been killed To limit the spread of the virus in the United States, zoos are trying to prevent one of these birds from suffering the same fate. It will be of particular concern for zoos to kill endangered or endangered species against them.

“It’s going to be very disastrous,” said Maria Frank, a welfare science officer at the Toronto Zoo who has fewer than 2,000 Caretta Caretta Schreik songbirds, which she bred in hopes of reintroducing them into the wild. “We care so much and the welfare and well -being of our animals is very important. There are many employees who have a close relationship with the animals they care for here at the zoo.”

Workers at the Toronto Zoo are adding roofs to some bird exhibits and looking at the surrounding nets to make sure they are protecting the wild birds outside.

birds transmit the virus through their drops and nasal secretions. Experts say it can be spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, boots, and vehicles. Research has shown that even small birds seen in exhibits or zoo buildings can spread the flu and rats can follow it.

No outbreaks have been reported in zoos so far, but dead wild birds have been found with the flu. For example, a wild duck died off stage at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa after a tornado test last month, zoo spokesman Ryan Bickel said.

Most of the steps taken at the zoo are aimed at preventing contact between wild birds and animals at the zoo. In some areas, officers require staff to wear clean boots and wear protective gear before entering the bird area.

When a case of avian flu was detected in birds, officials ordered the entire shield to be killed because the virus was highly contagious. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has noted that zoos can prevent this by excluding infected birds and eliminating their small numbers.

Sarah Woodhouse, director of animal health at Omaha’s Henry Dorley Zoo and Aquarium, said she was optimistic after talking to state and federal regulators.

“They all agree that ordering the settlement of a large portion of our population would be the absolute last resort.” So they’re really interested in working with us to see what we can do to make sure we don’t spread disease. At the same time, we can take care of our birds and not be euthanized, ”Woodhouse said.

Among the precautions that zoos take is to keep the birds in small groups so that only a few are affected in the event of an accident. The USDA and state vets will make the final decision on which birds to kill.

“Euthanasia is really the only way to protect yourself from its spread,” said Luis Padilla, vice president of animal collections in St. Louis. Louis Zoo. “That’s why we have so many proactive measures.”

Pittsburgh’s national aviaries, the largest in the country, conduct individual health checks for approximately 500 of its birds. Many already live in large glass membranes or outdoor habitats where they have no direct impact on wildlife, Drs. Pilar Fish, senior director of veterinary medicine and aviary zoological advancement.

Sean Putin, CEO of the Kansas City Zoo, said he has heard some complaints from visitors, but most people look great not seeing birds. “I think our visitors understand that we remember what is in the best interests of animals when we make these decisions, even if they don’t see them,” Putin said.

Officials emphasize that avian flu does not pose a threat to the safety of meat and eggs and does not pose a significant risk to human health. None of the infected birds are allowed in the food supply, and proper bird and egg preparation kills bacteria and viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no human cases have been reported in the United States.

Associated Press writers David Pitt contributed to this report from Des Moines, Iowa, Lindsay Whitehurst from Salt Lake City contributed, Julie Watson contributed;