Going to the Philadelphia Zoo? You probably won't see any flamingos or penguins. The birds are being quarantined indoors to help slow the current wave of avian flu, which often hits zoo populations especially hard.
“Everything from the emus to the bald eagles, the penguins, the flamingoes, they are all being housed indoors right now," said a Philadelphia Zoo officialCourtesy of The Philadelphia ZooThe Philadelphia Zoo has joined zoos across the country that are protecting their birds from the deadly avian influenza that has itself become a widespread outbreak.
Birds shed the virus through their droppings and nasal discharge. Experts say it can be spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, boots, and vehicles carrying supplies. Research has shown that small birds that squeeze into zoo exhibits or buildings can also spread the flu and that mice can even track it inside.
Among the precautions zoos are taking is keeping birds in smaller groups so that if a case is found, only a few would be affected. The USDA and state veterinarians would make the final decision about which birds had to be killed.Odd behavior due to neurological effects.Officials emphasize that bird flu doesn’t jeopardize the safety of meat or eggs or represent a significant risk to human health.
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