Franklin Park Zoo moves birds inside
Avian flu is very contagious for birds
Bird enthusiasts heading to the Franklin Park Zoo won’t be able to see every bird there, as zoo workers have moved many of the bird species inside amid avian flu concerns.
Staff at Stoneham’s Stone Zoo have also relocated birds to indoor spaces to protect them from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) — which, for birds, is highly contagious and poses a serious health risk.
The avian flu has been confirmed in states within the eastern flyway, including Massachusetts. Wild waterbirds, such as shorebirds and waterfowl, are most likely to carry the virus.
“While it may be disappointing to some guests not to see all of the birds, this is an important preventative safety measure for the health of the birds within our care,” said Eric Baitchman, vice president of Animal Health and Conservation at Zoo New England.
The staff at Franklin Park Zoo has moved the cranes, kori bustards, ostriches, emus and free-roaming peacocks to covered spaces, so they are not at risk of coming into contact with wild birds.
Aussie Aviary, the enclosed free-flight aviary home to hundreds of colorful budgies, is currently closed to the public, as is the enclosed walk-through aviary within the Children’s Zoo.
At Stone Zoo, the whooping crane and black-necked crane were both moved to indoor spaces, and the duck pond was drained to prevent fly-in of wild waterfowl. At both zoos, the birds are being closely monitored by their care teams, and all are currently healthy and well.
“We have well-established plans and protocols for this type of situation and are working closely with our state veterinarians and ornithologist at the USDA, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife,” Baitchman said.
“We appreciate our guests’ understanding of these temporary protective measures,” he added.
In addition to moving birds to indoor spaces, the staff is taking additional preventative measures — including disinfecting foot baths and enhanced cleaning.
The virus is easily tracked on shoes and clothing, so these measures are in place to further protect the birds while they are off exhibit.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently confirmed the virus in a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock in Berkshire County. State officials quarantined the site, and birds from the flock of 240 — including ducks, chicken, geese, quail and turkeys — were safely removed and properly disposed, according to officials. Birds from infected flocks do not enter the food system.
The CDC said the recent detections are not an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the U.S.
As a general food safety precaution, officials are reminding people that they should cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.