Avian Influenza - Biosecurity at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

Protecting our guests from the threat of avian flu

Avian influenza, commonly called "bird flu," is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. There are many different types of this virus. Most of these are commonly carried by birds without threat to other species. However, the recent development and spread of a highly pathogenic form of this virus (designated HPAI H5N1) has been found to be fatal to a number of animal species. It's important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the H5N1 avian influenza does not spread easily from birds to humans.

Humans in close contact with birds or other animals that have been infected may be at risk. The Zoological Society of San Diego takes the threat of all zoonotic diseases seriously and is employing the following steps to ensure the safety of guests to the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park :

• All animals at our parks are maintained in ways designed to protect them from diseases that might be transmitted by wild birds, other animals, and people. By instituting these measures that decrease the risk of infection from diseases like avian flu we are protecting the animals in our care as well as the guests who visit them.
• In areas where guests come into direct contact with animals (like our petting areas), hand washing stations are provided to encourage visitors to wash their hands after contact.
• All animals at the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park are closely monitored by animal care staff and onsite veterinarians for any sign of illness. Animals that appear to be ill are tested and treated for their illness and are often removed from public areas or interaction with other animals.
• We recognize that guests to our parks often encounter wild birds native to Southern California that are not in the care of the Zoological Society of San Diego. Animal care staff works to discourage these wild birds from visiting (by limiting their access to food and other enticements). In addition, we are modifying some of our ponds and water areas to further discourage the presence of these wild species.
• Although native bird visitors are not officially in the care of the Zoological Society, they are monitored for signs of ill health. Any ill or dead birds are examined thoroughly by veterinary staff. Zoological Society veterinarians are working closely with local, state, and national animal and public health authorities to ensure that the first signs of this disease in the United States will be quickly identified so that steps can be taken to reduce its spread.

To protect yourself and your family from the threat of this disease we recommend the following:

• Avoid close encounters with wild birds.
• If you or family members come into contact with a wild bird, its feathers, or feces - wash the contact area or clothes as soon as possible.
• Alert animal care staff or local health officials to wild birds that appear to be ill.
• Do not touch (or allow pets or children) to come into contact with dead birds.
• The San Diego County Veterinarian asks you to report dead birds. Waterfowl, like duck and geese, are most commonly infected with avian influenza. Although birds, particularly waterfowl, infected with avian influenza can die or become ill, most infected birds do survive. If you find a dead bird, please notify the Department of Environmental Health Vector Control immediately at 1 (888) 551-INFO (4636).

Other resources for information on avian influenza:

The Center for Disease Control's Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
The U.S. government also offers information at www.pandemicflu.gov/
The County of San Diego's Office of the County Veterinarian.

Questions? Contact our Public Relations Department.