The Saint Louis Zoo is closing two major exhibits as a precaution due to the discovery of avian influenza in a wild duck at the zoo, the zoo announced Tuesday. The closures include the Bird House and Cypress Swamp exhibits and are part of a series of precautions instituted to disrupt the potential transmission of the virus among the zoo’s birds.
Zoo staff found a dead wild wood duck in the Cove lake — in the middle of the zoo — last week. Initial tests showed that the duck was positive for avian flu, a virus often found in migratory birds. Additional testing is being conducted to determine if this case is related to a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). In response, the zoo has ramped up its biosecurity protocols to safeguard the animals under its care.
Although no birds or any other animals at the zoo are showing symptoms or have tested positive for the virus, several precautionary measures have been implemented:
Exhibit Closures: The Bird House and Cypress Swamp exhibits are closed for visitors until further notice.
Animal Relocation: A number of birds, including a pair of trumpeter swans, two Aleutian cackling geese and nine swan geese, have been brought inside to reduce risk of exposure. Humboldt penguins, usually kept outside, are now moved indoors at night.
Reduced operations: The Penguin & Puffin Coast exhibit will open one hour less each day while we conduct rigorous cleaning. Some behind-the-scenes tours have also been suspended temporarily during migratory bird season.
Mitigating common areas of human and animal foot traffic, recognized as a possible route of HPAI transmission, are included in these measures. The zoo is working closely with the State Veterinarian, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Conservation to monitor the situation and is ready to take further precautions if necessary.
HPAI does not currently represent an immediate threat to human health at the zoo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current risk to humans from HPAI to be low. It assures guests that the zoo is committed to and will continue to be committed to the safety and health of its guests and animals.
The Saint Louis Zoo appreciates the public’s understanding and support during this time, and hopes to reopen all impacted areas and return the birds to their outdoor habitats as soon as deemed safe.
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