ST. LOUIS—The St. Louis Zoo is moving some of its birds indoors and closing other exhibits as a precaution against the bird flu, according to a Zoo social media post.
The moves came after staff members retrieved a dead wild wood duck from a lake near the center of the Zoo last week, the post said.
The bird tested positive for Avian Influenza according to preliminary testing. The Zoo is also sending samples for further testing to identify if it was a case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Zoo officials say no birds or other animals under its care have been showing signs or have been diagnosed with the virus.
The Zoo says it also enacted a higher level of biosecurity to protect the animals:
While some Zoo birds are able to remain safely outside where their habitats provide protection, others have been moved indoors.
The Cypress Swamp and Bird House will be closed to guests until further notice.
Penguin & Puffin Coast will close an hour early each day, so that staff can complete deep cleaning of the public space.
Temporarily discontinuing sales for some of the Zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Tours during migratory bird season.
The Zoo says it hopes to reopen all areas and return birds outside as soon as it’s safe to do so and is working collaboratively with the state veterinarian, USDA and the Missouri Department of Conservation. It also says it is prepared to take additional steps if needed.
Avian flu is not uncommon among migratory birds, says the post. It also stresses HPAI does not pose any immediate human health concerns at the Zoo.
