The two aviaries at Tucson’s Reid Park zoo are closed following the recent death of one bird and the infection of two more with avian bird flu, officials said Saturday.
Safety measures were put in place after an infection was suspected after the death last month of a king vulture named Phil.
The protocols remained in effect for more than a week while test results were pending, officials said Saturday in a news release.
Animal care staff have been required to wear protective equipment and undergo other measures, including disinfectant foot baths and restricted access to bird habitats, the release said.
“Our animal care and veterinary team was able to enact safety measures as soon as avian flu was suspected to keep the other birds in our care safe. We have prepared for this scenario,” Dr. Alexis Roth, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, said in the release.
Avian influenza is an annual concern for all bird species as it is a “contagious and often deadly virus that affects birds,” the release said. It can be spread through fecal matter, saliva and nasal discharges from wild birds.
The virus can also be transmitted from humans to birds through contaminated equipment or clothing, officials said.
In October, the zoo announced the vulture’s death, saying it occurred after a brief illness. Test results received this weekend revealed the vulture tested positive for the “H5 avian flu strain,” the release said.
The zoo has been testing its flocks.
No other birds are exhibiting symptoms of the avian flu or appear to have been affected at this time, officials said Saturday.
