Bird Flu Detected in Goose
Beardsley Zoo News Release
The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has euthanized several birds in its collection after highly pathogenic avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, was detected at the zoo, officials from the Zoo said in a news release Thursday.
The virus, known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, was confirmed in a deceased Cotton Patch goose found on zoo grounds. In response, the zoo ramped up safety measures to protect animals, staff, and visitors, working with state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, officials said.
Shortly after discovering a dead cotton patch goose on zoo grounds Tuesday, staff had the bird tested for bird flu. On Thursday, the zoo announced that preliminary tests showed the deceased bird was infected with the disease.
Zoo spokesperson Rowena White said the zoo was working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratory for more comprehensive testing of the deceased bird.
The zoo was taking measures to keep its staff, guests and animals safe, the news release stated. Among those measures are temporarily closing its farmyard and outdoor aviary, limiting access to its birds to providers, designated animal care specialists and veterinary staff, canceling all volunteer activity and ambassador experiences with birds and having staff wear personal protective equipment when dealing with birds.
Following the detection, the zoo euthanized 17 birds in its pond community habitat collection that had been exposed to the disease. Among the birds that were put down were four cotton patch geese, two emperor geese, an Indian runner duck, four Khaki Campbell ducks and a domestic duck, White said.
Zoo officials have also taken the difficult step of euthanizing the remaining birds in the pond community that may have been exposed to the virus. Birds in nearby exhibits—including ravens, peafowl, and turkeys—are now under quarantine and are being monitored for signs of illness.
Zoo staff say they will continue to evaluate the health of all birds and adjust safety measures as needed. Visitors should expect limited access to certain areas while the facility works to contain the outbreak.
The risk of humans catching the virus is low, but precautions should be taken when handling birds.
In addition to human and domestic cases of bird flu, Connecticut officials also are monitoring the impact of the virus on wild birds, including instances in which a large number of birds are found dead. The CDC also notes the risk to the public health is currently “low.”
In Bridgeport, the zoo had stepped up precautions prior to the discovery of the goose. Earlier in the week, Rob Tomas, the zoo’s general curator, and Jim Wharton, the zoo’s CEO, said they were paying close attention to any outbreaks in the state and taking steps to keep the birds and the public safe.
As part of the safety measures, flocks normally fed outside were brought inside to eat s the meals wouldn’t attract wild birds, Wharton said. “We are limiting the time the food is out,” he said.
Staff who regularly interact with the birds also are remaining with the flocks while they eat to make sure wildlife doesn’t come in, Wharton said.
The zoo has been monitoring the recommendations of the Department of Agriculture and making sure tools are being sanitized after each use and used only for the same flock or aviary, Thomas said.
“We’ve always been proactive,” Thomas said. “We are giving staff additional gloves and boots or show shields and surgical masks if they are in a dusty area. We have multiple species across the board and we are trying to keep the same staff in the same areas.”
Other organizations that provide the public with educational programs also are working to protect their flocks.
For more about the zoo and its animals visit beardsleyzoo.org.