Sedgwick County Zoo officials said Monday they have closed al bird exhibit areas after a wild duck that was found dead on Zoo grounds tested positive for Avian Infuenza.
Kansas agriculture officials issued a warning last week that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has had a resurgence of cases nationwide, including in states bordering Kansas.
The Zoo said HPAI protocol calls for areas to be closed for at least 30 days after the last positive case. If there are no positive cases found in close proximity to the Zoo in the next 30 days, the exhibits will be able to reopen. If another case is found, the 30-day countdown will be restarted.
It’s not believed that the wild duck came into contact with any of the Zoo’s birds, and at this time there are no birds showing signs of the disease. Zoo officials said they will continue to monitor the health of the Zoo animals and provide any necessary treatment and quarantine procedures if any animals become ill.
Tickets for Penguin Encounters can still be purchased as gift certificates to be redeemed at a later date.
