So far, there have been no health issues after the David Traylor Zoo moved its birds out of public view as the avian influenza outbreak continues.
The zoo moved its trumpeter swans, nene geese, Cape Barren goose, snow geese, redhead ducks and wood ducks to its off-exhibit area last week as bird flu numbers spiked across Kansas. Zoo Director Brenda Young says quick action has helped to keep the birds safe.
Young also readily admits moving the birds was the only feasible option on the table.
Young says Kansas is currently the outbreak’s epicenter, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture has noted cases in several neighboring counties, with a case in a Greenwood County non-commercial back yard noted Jan. 6 and another case in a Wabaunsee County non-commercial back yard setting last month.
That distance may not sound alarming, but Young says the bird flu is highly contagious.
This action gives zookeepers an extra opportunity to clean the bird spaces, although it doesn’t give much of a chance to make major repairs or maintenance because of winter weather.
Young says the zoo is following data from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture on active cases and will return birds to public view based on two factors: low flu numbers and cases far enough away from Emporia to not pose any health risks. Zoo veterinarian Dr Richard Mendoza will also be involved in the decision. A date is pending, but Young anticipates it may be spring before the birds can go public again.
