Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo taking precautions to protect animals from bird flu
With the recent detection of H5 avian influenza in a wastewater sample on the Big Island, the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo is taking precautions to protect its nearly 300 animals that include 75 birds representing 29 species.
“In the zoo profession, we are always preparing for biosecurity events like the bird flu,” said zoo administrator Mindy Runnells. “Many cleaning and disinfecting protocols that we already have in place are designed to prevent illness. This is just adding some steps as a safety precaution.”
They include not accepting animal donations and not having birds in the petting zoo.
The zoo, owned and operated by Hawaiʻi County, also is considering other measures such as installing additional mesh and roof structures in aviaries and other animal habitats to decrease contact with wild birds.
Zoo visitors are asked to follow these guidelines:
- Do not come into contact with the birds at the zoo.
- Stay on pathways and in front of barriers.
- Footwear is required inside the zoo.
- Do not visit the zoo if you are not feeling well.
- Do not feed zoo animals.
- Do not drop off chickens, turkeys, ducks, peacocks or other birds at the zoo.
Bird flu was detected Dec. 2 in a wastewater sample taken at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The sample was taken from incoming wastewater prior to the treatment process.
The treatment plant uses a disinfection process, including chlorination, designed to kill or inactivate viruses such as bird flu.
Sampling was increased from once to twice a week at the treatment plant and the public will be informed about any updates.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health says risk to the public from bird flu remains low. However, it can cause severe impacts to certain bird populations, such as poultry.
The public also is asked to report occurrences of multiple or unusual illnesses in birds, livestock or other animals on the Big Island to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division.
Reports can be made from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 808-483-7102. Call 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.
Residents who think they might have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.
Visit the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens website for more information about zoo rules.
Resources for avian influenza:
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