WAIKIKI, Hawaii (KHON2) — With reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on the rise, Honolulu Zoo officials are taking precautions to protect their most susceptible species from the virus.
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It’s been almost two weeks since a variant of avian flu was confirmed at Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Shortly after, bird flu cases were linked to a backyard flock of birds in Central Oahu. The virus has also been linked to Mililani Pet Fair.
Avian influenza detected at Wahiawa duck sanctuary
Since the H5N1 virus is contagious among birds, Honolulu Zoo workers separated their “most susceptible species into enclosed aviaries and closed [their] walk-through aviary in the Savanna.”
We would be devastated to have this disease threaten our endangered and beloved zoo residents. Our staff are also following strict biosecurity protocols to protect themselves and our animals from the spread of disease.
The Honolulu Zoo in a social media post
The zoo plans to continue making preparations for holding modifications, animal moves and biosecurity restrictions if risk levels increase.
According to zoo officials, free-roaming ducks, chickens, peacocks, cats and mongoose can carry and spread the disease.
Guests visiting the zoo are advised to refrain from feeding wild free-roaming animals to prevent them from returning and exposing anything to zoo animals.
In addition, the public is advised to stay at lease six feet away from wild, sick or dead birds.
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If you see any sick or dead birds, they should be reported to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division at (808) 483-7192 or (808) 837-8092.