Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield, Arizona, had six animals test positive for bird flu, five of which died from the infection, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said Wednesday, Dec. 11.
A mountain lion, a cheetah, a kookaburra, a marsh goose and an Andean goose died from the infection. The white tiger is also infected and is currently recovering after treatment.
“While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of several beloved animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our quick response, robust biosecurity protocols and the invaluable support of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, President Wildlife World Zoo, in a press release.
The zoo began implementing increased security measures, including disinfecting enclosures, restricting access to affected areas and quarantining exposed animals. The zoo also temporarily suspended the activities of visitors in direct contact with the animals.
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Stock image of a Kookaburra.
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“Our team has worked diligently to contain the situation and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff and visitors,” Hayden said.
Hayden was aware of other bird flu cases in Arizona and implemented precautions as soon as possible. Despite their best efforts, the animals were infected, marking the first time any zoo animal had contracted bird flu.
“We have over 6,000 animals here, so we had to take it very seriously from the beginning,” Hayden told NBC 12 News.
“We immediately started working with the Maricopa County Health Department, the CDC, just to assess if there was a risk to the general public,” she said.
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Picture of a Canadian goose.
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In addition to the animals, Hayden reported that 25 employees were exposed to infected animals. Now these employees are being monitored for symptoms. Since December 12, not a single employee has tested positive, said dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, told NBC 12 News.
This is the second outbreak in Maricopa County, the first involving a commercial backyard poultry flock, according to a news release. No one in Maricopa County has been infected. However, two people in Pinal County, east of Maricopa County, tested positive and recovered.
“Those individuals who get sick have such close contact with these animals, whether it’s dairy cattle or sick birds,” said Dr. NBC 12 News staff. “The overall risk to the population remains low.”
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Stock image of Swamphen.
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Bird flu primarily affects birds, and human infections are considered rare, according to a news release from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. People who are infected can experience mild symptoms, ranging from upper respiratory symptoms to conjunctivitis/red eyes, or more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or death.
People can reduce their risk of illness with basic steps by practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated against seasonal flu and COVID-19.
“Seasonal influenza vaccination will not prevent infection with avian influenza viruses, but it may reduce the risk of contracting human influenza viruses and thus the risk of simultaneous infection with seasonal and avian influenza,” the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said in a statement.
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Source: HIS Education