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Newsroom Lehigh Valley Zoo Jan. 6, 2025 |
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LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO ADJUSTS CARE FOR ITS BIRDS DURING HPAI OUTBREAK
(Schnecksville, Pa.) — Due to the proximity of recent positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), Lehigh Valley Zoo is implementing an established protocol created to keep its animals safe from outbreaks such as HPAI. At this time, the zoo’s barnyard birds, waterfowl and penguins have been brought indoors since they are most at risk. Last week, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) reported that HPAI is suspected in two mortality events of snow geese in roosting areas within the region — one in Upper Macungie Township (Lehigh County) and the other in Lower Nazareth Township (Northampton County). Approximately 200 geese were reported dead, and mortality is ongoing. HPAI is highly contagious among wild and domestic birds, causing extreme illness and possibly death. “LV Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and works hard daily to uphold the highest standards in the field,” President and CEO Amanda Shurr said. “During the most recent outbreak in 2022, we took preventative measures to better protect our birds from future outbreaks by adding roofs to as many of their habitats as possible. Our most at-risk species, whose habitats are without roofs, have been moved off exhibit and will be monitored by our dedicated staff. We will continue to keep a close eye on positive cases of HPAI ensuring we continue to provide excellent care for our zoo residents.”
According to a PGC press release, preliminary in-state testing indicated the presence of HPAI in dead birds collected from both sites. While results are yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at its National Veterinary Services Laboratories, HPAI is presumed to be the cause of these mortality events. The situation is ongoing as sick wild birds were also observed at both locations. As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, LV Zoo immediately began to implement enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in its care. The zoo has elected to move the most susceptible species indoors to eliminate contact with wild birds on zoo grounds. Other precautions taken include higher levels of biosecurity for birds; personal protective equipment for staff; restricted access to bird areas; and discontinuation of bird-centered educational programs and interactives. Committed to protecting birds in its care, LV Zoo will continue to work closely with the USDA, the State Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to stay current with any new updates. The PGC is asking that those encountering sick or dead wild birds to report them to the commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453), by emailing pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov or by using the online Wildlife Health Survey tool. Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, HPAI has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sneezing, coughing, walking or swimming in circles, and swelling of the legs and feet. Although wild waterfowl are the most common carriers, they are often asymptomatic while birds of prey — such as hawks and owls — and scavengers — such as crows and gulls — may show more severe infection. The USDA continues to monitor cases that are impacting commercial poultry and backyard flocks across the county, as well as hundreds of cases in dairy cattle across several states. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the HPAI situation remains primarily an animal health issue, and the risk to the general public from these viruses remains low. People with job-related or recreational exposure to poultry flocks or wild birds should take appropriate precautions to protect against bird flu.
# # # — SmartFun—
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