A number of animals have died of hen flu at a Phoenix-area zoo, Arizona public well being officers have revealed – emphasizing there was nearly no danger to the general public.
The Maricopa County Division of Public Well being mentioned final week it was responding, together with state and federal businesses, to avian influenza infections “in a small number of animals” on the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium in Litchfield Park, about 20 miles west of Phoenix.
The animals had been examined, the affected ones had been quarantined, and the zoo bolstered its biosecurity measures, the MCDPH mentioned. Volunteers and zoo employees who had been uncovered to the animals had been being monitored for signs however had not examined optimistic, Wildlife World Zoo spokeswoman Jolene Westerling instructed USA At this time.
“Overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low,” the MCDPH mentioned in a press release.
“People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection,” MCDPH assistant medical director Dr. Nick Staab mentioned within the assertion. “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.”
A cheetah, a mountain lion and three giant birds — a swamp hen, a kookaburra and an Indian goose — all died, Westerling instructed USA At this time. A white tiger that had examined optimistic was responding to therapy and would most definitely get well totally, she mentioned.
“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,” mentioned Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo, within the Maricopa County assertion. “Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors.”
Initially Revealed: December 15, 2024 at 9:47 PM EST
