Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo closes aviary to public as precaution due to avian influenza – KETV Omaha

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is closing its aviary to the public until further notice due to the avian influenza.The zoo said the aviary will be treated as a quarantine zone after highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed Wednesday in Pottawattamie County.”HPAI is generally carried by wild birds (specifically waterfowl and wading birds): they become infected but do not get sick. Chickens and turkeys, however die of HPAI,” Sarah Woodhouse, director of animal health at the Henry Doorly Zoo, said. “The major way that HPAI is transmitted is from the feces of wild birds. Presumably, an infected group of birds flew over the Iowa chickens and dropped off some HPAI-infected feces.” Woodhouse said the zoo will also lock all birds that have indoor holding inside to prevent contact with wild birds or feces.”Birds cannot be easily moved out of the aviary and the aviary is open to wild bird feces,” Woodhouse said.The Nebraska Department of Agriculture advised poultry owners to protect their flocks against avian influenza, including closely monitoring birds for signs of the disease and maintaining strict biosecurity practices. If you have birds at home, Woodhouse offered some tips for monitoring them. She said to consider not putting them outside, as well as watch for decrease in food consumption (especially in a group of birds), decreased activity, more quiet than usual, depressed, neurologic abnormalities (loss of balance, walking in circles, decreased responsiveness), coughing, sneezing, open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge, diarrhea.