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Local zoos taking steps to protect birds as avian flu spreads

Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo is taking steps to protect its birds from the highly contagious avian influenza, also known as bird flu, that has been confirmed in backyard flocks in western Washington, the zoo announced Thursday.

The zoo has not seen any cases of the flu to date, but it has moved its most highly susceptible bird species to indoor or protective housing. These include raptors, peacocks, penguins, flamingos, cranes, chickens and related species, along with waterfowl like ducks, geese and swans.

The zoo will also be suspending up-close contact exhibits with birds like owls, hawks and other raptors. The zoo’s Wildlife Theater will exclude free-flying birds from its program as well.

“Because avian influenza is transmitted by contact with infected wild birds or with their fecal matter, moving our birds inside and away from any other birds is the safest control measure we can take,” said Dr. Tim Storms, director of animal health at Woodland Park Zoo. “This is an alarming disease for birds with a high mortality rate which requires proactive measures.”

The Washington State Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that the total number of backyard flocks infected with the avian flu is six, as two more flocks were detected in Clallam County on Wednesday.

The first detection of the bird flu in Washington occurred on May 5 in a backyard flock in Pacific County.

Two days later, officials confirmed the state’s second detection of bird flu in a backyard flock in Spokane County.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium began moving susceptible birds indoors last Friday, when bird flu was first confirmed in western Washington.

The zoo’s popular penguin exhibit was empty on Thursday, with the water drained.

“I think keeping the animals safe is the best way to go,” said zoo visitor Winter McLeod.

The 15 penguins are staying indoors.

“We want to make sure wild birds aren’t able to mingle with the penguins,” said Dr. Karen Wolf, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s head veterinarian.

She said crows or other birds can spread avian flu through fecal droppings or respiratory secretions.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is also bringing in snowy owls and bald eagles.

“We know many of our visitors will be disappointed they won’t be able to see birds that are most at risk of avian flu, especially our popular penguins and flamingos,” said Sheri Horiszny, chief operations officer at Woodland Park Zoo. “We are confident our visitors and members will understand we have our animals’ best interests in mind, and understand our decision to keep our birds indoors and protect them from the highly contagious and potentially deadly avian influenza.”