No cases have been reported at zoos so far, but dead wild birds have been found to have highly contagious and potentially deadly bird flu.

                        Penguins may be the only birds visitors to many zoos can see at this time, as they are usually kept inside and protected behind glass.  (AP)

Zoos across North America move their birds indoors and away from humans and wildlife as they try to protect them from the highly contagious and potentially deadly bird flu. Penguins may be the only birds visitors to many zoos can see at this time, as they are already kept inside and are usually protected behind glass in their exhibits, making it more difficult for bird flu to reach them. Nearly 23 million chickens and turkeys have already been killed across the United States to curb the spread of the virus, and zoos are working hard to prevent any of their birds from experiencing the same fate. It would be particularly annoying for zoos to have to kill any of the endangered or endangered species in their care. “It would be extremely destructive,” said Maria Franke, a welfare scientist at the Toronto Zoo, which has less than two dozen Loggerhead Shrike songbirds breeding in hopes of bringing them back into the wild. . “We care amazingly and the well-being and well-being of our animals is paramount. There is a lot of staff who have a close relationship with the animals they care about here at the zoo.” Workers at the Toronto Zoo add roofs to some outdoor bird exhibits and double-check the grids around the enclosure to ensure they will keep wild birds out. Birds expel the virus through their feces and nasal secretions. Experts say it can be transmitted through contaminated equipment, clothing, boots and vehicles carrying supplies. Research has shown that small birds crammed into exhibits or zoo buildings can also transmit the flu and that mice can even monitor it inside. So far, no cases have been reported at zoos, but dead wild birds have been found to have the flu. Bird euthanasia When bird flu cases are detected in poultry, officials order the entire herd to be killed because the virus is so contagious. However, the US Department of Agriculture has indicated that zoos could avoid this by isolating infected birds and possibly euthanizing a small number of them. Sarah Woodhouse, director of animal health at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, said she was optimistic after speaking with state and federal regulators. “Everyone agrees that ordering us to desert a large part of our collection would be the ultimate last effort. So, they’re really interested in working with us to see what we can do to make sure they’re not going to transmit the disease while we can. “We also have to take care of our birds and not have to euthanize them,” Woodhouse said. Among the precautions taken by zoos is to keep the birds in smaller groups, so that if an outbreak is detected, only a few will be affected. The USDA and state veterinarians would make the final decision on which birds to kill. “Euthanasia is really the only way to prevent it from spreading,” said Luis Padilla, vice president of animal collections at the Saint Louis Zoo. “That’s why we have so many of these very precautionary measures.” The National Aviary in Pittsburgh – the nation’s largest – provides individual health checks for each of its approximately 500 birds. Kansas City Zoo CEO Sean Putney said he heard some complaints from visitors, but most people look okay by not being able to see some birds. No human cases have been found in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source: AP