WICHITA — Sedgwick County Zoo announced Tuesday that it is closing all of its bird exhibits temporarily because they were notified that there is a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a bird in Hutchinson.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture traditionally sends out notices in such cases, but no such notification has been found as of early Wednesday.
As in the spring, this viral disease appears to be spread by the migration of wild birds which has Kansas’ domestic birds at risk.
The bird exhibits at the SCZ will be closed until further notice to protect the animals.
Many of the birds have moved to indoor habitats, while others have received habitat modifications to prevent contact with wild birds.
Those working with the birds will also wear PPE when working with them.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a rapidly spreading viral disease that can infect many types of birds.
Avian influenza is contagious. It exists naturally in many wild birds and can be transmitted by contact with infected birds or ingestion of infected food or water. Although extremely rare, humans and other mammals can be vulnerable to the disease.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.