Avian Influenza has claimed the lives of Harbor Seals and Chilean Flamingos in Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.
The zoo announced that it had received results that confirmed that Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, the Chilean Flamingo, and Slater, the Harbor Seal.
“This is sad news for wild animals and for zoo group. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we have lost two amazing animals,” said Director of Veterinary Services Lester E. Fisher and Dr. Kathryn Gamble in a statement. influenza is a virus. – a naturally occurring virus in free-living waterfowl, it has been reported that many mammal species may be affected by HPAI from 2022.”
ONE COUNTRY ACTUALLY VISITED BY BIRD PEOPLE IN OVER 40 COMMENTS
The zoo announced that it had received results that confirmed that Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, the Chilean Flamingo, and Slater, the Harbor Seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo was unable to confirm the source of exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control says HPAI is transmitted 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 contagious avian influenza is spread by birds in flight, it's less dangerous to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than it is to enjoy the outdoors,” said President & CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”
BIRD FLU LEADS TO IMPORTANT HUMAN ILLNESSES AND EMERGENCIES; EXPERTS SIMILAR RISK
The zoo has announced that it has received results that have confirmed that Avian Influenza is the cause of Teal, the Chilean Flamingo and Slater, the Harbor Seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
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The zoo has been monitoring HPAI, so there is response plan is available. Design speaks to workers and animals. It includes equipment to protect and remove contamination between species while testing the behavior of each animal, according to the zoo's statement. They have also closed the McCormick Bird House and will be closed until further notice.
The zoo announced that it had received results that confirmed that Avian Influenza was the cause of Teal, the Chilean Flamingo and Slater, the Harbor Seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo also said in their statement that it is important to keep pets indoors and away from wild animals.
“Sharing this news about avian influenza being highly contagious in this region is important to our community as a whole,” said Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Magle. For your own safety, do not handle wild animals. Additionally, keep your pets safe by taking care of them indoor cats and dogs away from wild animals.”