The Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield, Ariz., had six animals test positive for avian flu, with five dying of the infection, the Maricopa County Public Health Department said on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
A mountain lion, a cheetah, a kookaburra, a swamphen, and an Andean goose all died of the infection. A white tiger was also infected and is currently recovering after receiving treatment.
“While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo, said in a press release.
The zoo has begun implementing increased safety precautions, including disinfecting enclosures, restricting access to affected areas, and quarantining exposed animals. The zoo also temporarily suspended visitors’ activities of directly contacting the animals.
“Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors,” Hayden said.
Hayden was aware of other cases of avian flu in Arizona and implemented precautions as soon as possible. Despite their efforts, the animals were infected, making this the first time any animals at the zoo contracted the avian flu.
“We have over 6000 animals here, so it’s something we had to take very seriously from the start,” Hayden told NBC 12 News.
“We immediately started working with the Maricopa County Health Department, the CDC, just to assess if there was any risk with the general public,” she said.
In addition to the animals, Hayden reported that 25 employees were exposed to the infected animals. Now, those employees are being monitored for symptoms. As of Dec. 12, no employees have tested positive, Dr. Nick Staab, the assistant medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said, per NBC 12 News.
This is Maricopa County’s second outbreak, with the first affecting a commercial poultry backyard flock, per the press release. No people in Maricopa County have been infected. However, two people in Pinal County, east of Maricopa County, tested positive and recovered.
“Those individuals who are getting sick do have that close contact with these animals, whether it’s dairy cattle, or sick birds,” Dr. Staab told NBC 12 News. ”The general risk to the population remains low.”
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The avian flu primarily affects birds, and human infections are considered rare, per Maricopa County Public Health Department’s press release. People who are infected may experience mild symptoms, from upper respiratory symptoms to conjunctivitis/pink eye, or more severe symptoms, which include pneumonia, multi-organ failure, or death.
People can reduce their risk of illness with basic steps by practicing good hygiene and getting seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
“Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection,” the Maricopa County Public Health Department’s statement reads.
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