A small number of animals at the Wildlife World Zoo in Arizona have tested positive for bird flu, according to local health officials.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) said in an announcement Wednesday they’re working with state and federal partners to address the situation, which occurred in Litchfield Park.
According to Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director at MCDPH, “People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection.” He added, “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.”
The zoo had discovered the sick animals and sent them to the Arizona Department of Agriculture for testing. Results showed the animals likely contracted a strain of bird flu known as H5N1 avian flu, which is a strain first found in wild birds in the United States in 2015, according to MCDPH.
In response, the Wildlife World Zoo has taken several measures.
“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.
Some of such include isolating the infected animals, quarantining potentially exposed animals, enhancing biosecurity measures, and performing health checks on all birds and animals susceptible to the illness, according to MCDPH.
The zoo has also temporarily put a pause on guest activities that allow for direct contact with animals, health officials said.
The health department is also monitoring the health of zoo workers and volunteers known to have had direct contact with the infected animals.
While H5N1 mostly affects birds, human infections are possible, though they are rare. According to MCDPH, most human infections have come from unprotected exposure to sick or dead infected animals or their environment. Symptoms in humans can range from mild respiratory issues to severe complications.
Dr. Staab emphasized the importance of general precautions during flu season.
“We are in the middle of flu season, with other viruses like COVID-19 circulating as well, so people should stay watchful, especially with the holidays upon us,” he said.
MCDPH recommends several measures to reduce the risk of illness:
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Get seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines
- Consider other recommended vaccines for certain groups
- Stay home when sick
- Seek medical care if symptoms worsen
The health department advises against consuming unpasteurized dairy products and urges people to avoid unprotected exposure to sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding.
Despite the outbreak, MCDPH said that the overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission of H5N1.
This is not the first time the virus has been detected in Arizona. According to MCDPH, it has previously been found in a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County.
Anyone suspecting poultry to have bird flu should contact the USDA’s sick bird hotline at 866-536-7593, as advised by MCDPH.