Bird flu found in Fayette County backyard flock, the third detection in KY this year

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.aol.com/news/bird-flu-found-fayette-county-195808595.html

Bird flu found in Fayette County backyard flock, the third detection in KY this year
Lexington Herald-Leader McClatchy Articles
Jackie Starkey
October 7, 2022, 3:58 PM

In an alert Friday, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture reported a confirmed case of avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu,” in a backyard flock of “mixed-species birds” in Fayette County.

The case is the third of its kind reported in the state this year, after two outbreaks were detected at commercial operations in Webster and Fulton counties in February.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, which is contagious and deadly to birds, but poses little risk to humans...

 

[Pathfinder]

Louisville Zoo temporarily closing 4 exhibits to protect birds from avian flu

WLKYUpdated: 6:12 PM EDT Oct 12, 2022

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

The Louisville Zoo has closed some exhibits as a precaution to protect its birds.

Zoo officials said Wednesday that there have been confirmed cases of the Wild Avian Flu in Fayette County.

Since it can be contagious and affect several species, they are closing some areas and moving some birds to protected places out of an abundance of caution.
...
https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-zoo-exhibits-closed-birds-avian-flu/41601408#

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AVIAN FLU FAQ


Updated October 12, 2022

Recently, avian influenza was discovered in the wild bird population of Kentucky. Even though none of the Zoo’s collection of birds are showing signs of the disease, the Louisville Zoo is taking precautionary measures to protect our birds from this viral disease.

As a result, the Louisville Zoo is closing (or postponing the opening of) several exhibit areas, moving some animals off exhibit and relocating some species. The current off-exhibit or closed areas are listed on this page and will be updated periodically.

The avian flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is highly contagious in birds and can affect several bird species, including domestic poultry. Wild birds (waterfowl) are generally asymptomatic carriers and can pass it on to domestic poultry where the virus is often deadly.

According to the CDC, Avian flu does not currently present a health concern to the general public.

Zoo staff are ramping up processes to protect against contamination including increased sanitation, disinfecting and limiting access of personnel and equipment in bird areas.

More Information

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says transmission of the virus from birds to humans is very rare and considers the risk to the general public very low. You can find more information on the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu.

Learn more about what the Zoo is doing to protect our birds here.

Areas Temporarily Closed to the Public

• Forest Bird Trail and African Penguin Exhibit (Islands)
• Lorikeet Landing (Australia)
  Lorikeets will be viewable from outside the exhibit, weather permitting.
• Steller Sea Eagle Aviary (Glacier Run)
  Birds will be viewable from outside the exhibit, weather permitting.

Animals Temporarily Off exhibit

• Bald Eagle (Cats of America)
• Chilean Flamingos (South America)
• Dalmatian Pelicans (South America)
• Southern Screamer (South America)
• White Storks (Africa)
• Ruppell’s vultures (Africa)
• East African crowned cranes (Africa)

Relocated

• Black Swans have been relocated to Little Penguin Exhibit in Islands

FAQ


Can humans catch avian flu?

The chances of humans becoming infected with this virus is extremely low. There has only been one confirmed case of human infection in the U.S., and that person was involved with culling thousands of infected poultry

How long until the birds return and the exhibit areas open?

There is no planned date at this time.

Do any of the Zoo’s birds have HPAI?

No birds at the Louisville Zoo have shown signs of HPAI.

https://louisvillezoo.org/avian-flu-faq/