Bird flu has claimed the lives of a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
The zoo announced that they had received results confirming that highly pathogenic bird flu was the cause of the deaths of Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal.
‘This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we have also lost two incredible animals,” said Lester E. Fisher, director of veterinary services and Dr. Kathryn Gamble, in a statement. Influenza is a naturally occurring virus in free-ranging waterfowl. As of 2022, more mammal species are susceptible to HPAI.”
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The zoo announced that they had received results confirming that highly pathogenic bird flu was the cause of the deaths of Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo could not confirm the source of the exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control says HPAI is spread through saliva, nasal secretions and the feces of infected birds.
They did say that zoo visitors are not at risk of contracting the disease from the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
“Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo than to walk outside,” said President and CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”
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The zoo announced that they had received results confirming that highly pathogenic bird flu was the cause of the deaths of Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
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The zoo keeps an eye on HPAI, so there is one response plan in place. The plan focuses on staff and animals. It includes personal protective equipment and removing cross-contamination between species, while monitoring the behavior of individual animals, a zoo statement said. They have also closed the McCormick Bird House and will be closed until further notice.
The zoo announced that they had received results confirming that highly pathogenic bird flu was the cause of the deaths of Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a 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 highly pathogenic bird flu in the area is important for our community as a whole,” said Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute. “To protect yourself, don’t touch wild animals. Additionally, make sure your pets are safe by keeping them indoor cats and dogs on a leash, away from wild animals.”
