Cases of the avian flu have been confirmed across the US and Canada, including here at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. This strain of the disease is highly contagious and lethal to birds. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo has taken additional steps above and beyond already established protective measures to ensure the health and safety of its birds, animals, staff, and guests.
The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection. Health and safety precautions had already been enacted at CBZ in response to HPAI cases reported in Connecticut. Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of zoo animals, staff and guests, additional and increased measures have been implemented.
The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection. Health and safety precautions had already been enacted at CBZ in response to HPAI cases reported in Connecticut. Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of zoo animals, staff and guests, additional and increased measures have been implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Avian Influenza?
A: Avian flu primarily affects birds, particularly waterfowl and domestic poultry. Transmission to humans and other animal species is rare but possible, typically through direct and prolonged contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. Risk to the public and other animal species at the zoo is low.
Avian flu is often spread by migrating birds that travel from southern regions to New England, particularly waterfowl carrying the virus without showing symptoms. As these birds pass through the region, they may shed the virus through droppings, saliva, and nasal secretions, potentially exposing local birds to infection.
Q: Are people at risk from Avian Flu?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to the general public to be very low. Human infection with avian influenza viruses are rare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one case of human infection with the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in the United States. Affected birds shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and feces. Avoiding direct animal or waste contact, and frequent hand washing are effective at keeping people healthy.
Q: What is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo doing to keep its birds safe?
A: To further protect the zoo’s bird collection, staff, the public and animals in care, the following measures have been put in place:
Q: What is the Zoo doing to protect its staff, visitors, and volunteers?
A: Human infection with avian influenza viruses are very rare. Still, just as we do with our birds, we monitor the health of our staff and volunteers with protocols very similar to COVID-19. Additional precautions are taken by staff members who work directly with our birds, including the use of PPE along with special handling and sanitation procedures.
Q: How long could the threat of Avian Flu last?
A: Typically, outbreaks coincide with the spring and fall bird migrations. The strict measures put in place by the federal and state governments typically limit the duration of an event. As with any virus, there is no way to pinpoint an endpoint, but in past outbreaks in the United States, intensive management and containment by the US Department of Agriculture continued through the summer months.
The zoo remains committed to the health and well-being of all its animals and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will provide updates if significant changes occur.
PAGE LAST UPDATED 1/30/2025
Q: What is Avian Influenza?
A: Avian flu primarily affects birds, particularly waterfowl and domestic poultry. Transmission to humans and other animal species is rare but possible, typically through direct and prolonged contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. Risk to the public and other animal species at the zoo is low.
Avian flu is often spread by migrating birds that travel from southern regions to New England, particularly waterfowl carrying the virus without showing symptoms. As these birds pass through the region, they may shed the virus through droppings, saliva, and nasal secretions, potentially exposing local birds to infection.
Q: Are people at risk from Avian Flu?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to the general public to be very low. Human infection with avian influenza viruses are rare according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only one case of human infection with the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been reported in the United States. Affected birds shed the virus in their saliva, mucus, and feces. Avoiding direct animal or waste contact, and frequent hand washing are effective at keeping people healthy.
Q: What is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo doing to keep its birds safe?
A: To further protect the zoo’s bird collection, staff, the public and animals in care, the following measures have been put in place:
- The farmyard and outdoor aviary are temporarily closed.
- Access to birds will be limited strictly to care providers, designated animal care specialists, and veterinary staff.
- All volunteer activity and ambassador experiences with birds are cancelled.
- Animal care staff will use designated tools for each avian area, all tools will be placed in disinfectant solutions after use.
- Staff who have critical care roles with birds will continue to wear increased PPE to reduce the risk of transmission.
Q: What is the Zoo doing to protect its staff, visitors, and volunteers?
A: Human infection with avian influenza viruses are very rare. Still, just as we do with our birds, we monitor the health of our staff and volunteers with protocols very similar to COVID-19. Additional precautions are taken by staff members who work directly with our birds, including the use of PPE along with special handling and sanitation procedures.
Q: How long could the threat of Avian Flu last?
A: Typically, outbreaks coincide with the spring and fall bird migrations. The strict measures put in place by the federal and state governments typically limit the duration of an event. As with any virus, there is no way to pinpoint an endpoint, but in past outbreaks in the United States, intensive management and containment by the US Department of Agriculture continued through the summer months.
The zoo remains committed to the health and well-being of all its animals and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will provide updates if significant changes occur.
PAGE LAST UPDATED 1/30/2025