Bird flu has claimed the lives of a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo.
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that the cause of death for Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal, was caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza.
“This is sad news for wildlife and for our zoo team. Not only are we facing the first case of HPAI in an animal in our care, but we are also facing the loss of two wonderful animals. We lost it,” said Lester E. Fisher, Director of Veterinary Services. Dr. Kathryn Gamble said in a statement: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a virus that occurs naturally in free-ranging waterfowl, but more mammalian species have been reported to be susceptible to HPAI from 2022 onwards.”
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The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that the cause of death for Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal, was caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo could not confirm the source of exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says HPAI is spread through infected birds' saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
They said there is no risk that zoo visitors could contract the disease from animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
“Highly pathogenic avian influenza is transmitted by free-ranging birds, so visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo is no more dangerous than enjoying a walk outdoors,” said Megan Ross, president and CEO and ornithologist. “Zoos will continue to be a safe place to interact with the animals in our care.”
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The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that the cause of death for Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal, was caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
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Zoos are monitoring HPAI and have response plans in place. This plan is for staff and animals. This includes personal protective equipment and monitoring the behavior of individual animals to eliminate cross-contamination between species, the zoo said in a statement. The McCormick Bird House is also closed and will remain closed until further notice.
The zoo announced that it had received results confirming that the cause of death for Teal, a Chilean flamingo, and Slater, a harbor seal, was caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza. (Lincoln Park Zoo)
The zoo also said in a statement that it is important to keep personal pets indoors and away from wild animals.
“Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in our region is important to our entire community,” said Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Margle. “To protect yourself, don't touch wild animals. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leashes away from wild animals.”
