Bird flu claimed the lives of a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of the deaths of Teal, the Chilean flamingo, and Slater, the harbor seal.
“This is sad news for game and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we have also lost two incredible animals,” Veterinary Services Director Lester E. Fisher and Dr. Kathryn Gamble said in a statement. “While highly pathogenic avian influenza is a virus that occurs naturally in free-ranging waterfowl, as of 2022 multiple mammal species were reported to be susceptible to HPAI.”
ONE STATE LEADS COUNTRY IN HUMAN BIRD FLU WITH NEARLY 40 CONFIRMED CASES
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of the deaths of Teal, the Chilean flamingo, and Slater, the harbor seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo could not confirm the source of exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control says HPAI is spread through the saliva, nasal secretions and feces of infected birds.
They said zoo visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease from animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.
“Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-roaming birds, visiting Lincoln Park Zoo is no more risky than enjoying a walk outside,” said President and CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”
BIRD FLU LEADS TO SEVERE DISEASE IN PEOPLE AND A STATE OF EMERGENCY; EXPERTS DISCUSS THE RISKS
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of the deaths of Teal, the Chilean flamingo, and Slater, the harbor seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The zoo followed the HPAI, so it exists there is a response plan. The plan applies to staff and animals. This includes personal protective equipment and the elimination of cross-contamination between species while monitoring the behavior of individual animals, the zoo said in a statement. They also closed the McCormick Bird House and will be closed until further notice.
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that highly pathogenic avian influenza was the cause of the deaths of Teal, the Chilean flamingo, and Slater, the harbor seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo also said in its statement that it is important to keep pets indoors and away from wildlife.
“Sharing this news about highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important to our community as a whole,” said Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Magle. “To protect yourself, do not touch wild animals. Additionally, protect your pets by holding indoor cats and dogs on a leash away from wild animals.”
