Animals at the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park, Arizona have tested positive for bird flu, resulting in the deaths of five animals.
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) announced it is working with state and federal organizations in responding to a detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals at the zoo.
Officials said the Wildlife World Zoo identified ill animals and brought them to the Arizona Department of Agriculture to undergo testing. Test results indicated the animals were likely ill from H5N1 avian flu.
Zoo officials said the animals that have died, include a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamphen, an Andean goose and a kookaburra.
A white tiger tested positive for the virus but is expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
Public health officials are working with the zoo to identify and contact staff and volunteers who are considered to be at higher risk from close or prolonged contact with infected animals.
“People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director at MCDPH. “Public health’s recommendations are intended to reduce the risk to those who have had direct contact with infected animals and to prevent further exposure."
Wildlife World Zoo has temporarily put guest activities with direct animal contact on hold. Officials report the zoo is implementing other increased health and safety precautions to protect animals, staff, and guests until animal health improves.
"While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo. “Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors."
Arizona has reported several cases of the bird flu recently, in Maricopa County and Pinal County, which also saw the first human case of bird flu in the state.
Coconino County Health and Human Services also confirmed Wednesday that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. Coconino County reports the source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the current public health risk is low, despite recent outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows.
What to do if you see a sick bird
Sick Bird Hotline: If you see signs of illness in your poultry, report them immediately to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, or your State Veterinarian.
For wild bird illness, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The Phoenix Zoo has measures in place to protect its animals from avian influenza. A zoo representative provided the following statement to Scripps News Phoenix:
"The Phoenix Zoo tests suspicious avian deaths (for both wild and Zoo birds) for avian influenza and has been doing this for over two years now. We also test many of the birds that come into or leave our Zoo for avian influenza. We have not identified any cases of avian influenza in any of the wild or collection animals at the Phoenix Zoo. We have been proactively doing what we can for several years to dissuade migrating and wild birds from spending time on Zoo grounds where they may impact our collection. These dissuasion measures include using lasers, remote-controlled boats, drones, loud noises, etc. to discourage them from hanging around too long.
With no active cases at the Zoo, we haven't closed any exhibits or experiences. Guests are safe to visit the Zoo."
This story was originally published by Hector Gonzales at Scripps News Phoenix.
