The Calgary Zoo has moved their birds inside due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza being found in the area. Photo by Stephen Strand
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has caused the Calgary Zoo to bring their birds indoors.
Recently, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that the HPAI is present in close proximity of the Calgary Zoo, prompting the zoo to take action to protect their birds.
According to Dr. Emma Vaasjo, Associate veterinarian at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, this is the first time in a while that Avian Influenza has been detected close enough to the zoo to cause issues.
Out of caution, they are proactively implementing measures to protect their avian friends by moving them indoors.
Dr. Vassjo says they will keep them indoors while the risk of Avian Influenza is present.
Their Rainforest Aviary and the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are also closed, and the indoor habitat at Penguin Plunge was closed, but has reopened today (October 21) with increased pathway disinfection and disinfectant mats at the entrance.
The birds affected by these changes are the Chilean flamingoes, ostrich, African grey-crowned cranes, greater rheas, whooping crane, red-crowned cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, and peacocks, and while the birds are indoors, they may not be viewable.
Dr. Vassjo says Avian Influenza has a few strains and can affect birds in numerous ways.
While there is a risk to birds, there is minimal risk that Avian Influenza will be transmitted to people.
And for the bird hunters, Dr. Vassjo says that cooking the bird reduces the risk of Avian Influenza being transmitted to humans.
While there is a risk their birds can catch the Avian Influenza, Dr. Vassjo says they simply taking extra precautions.
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