#12,302
On Wednesday, in Schönbrunn Zoo Reports H5N8 Infected Pelican, we learned that the world's oldest zoo detected HPAI H5N8 in a single sick Dalmatian Pelican which was part of a larger exhibit which had been kept under cover since December.
Testing of the remaining birds - all apparently showing no outward signs of infection - was underway with results expected on Thursday.
Overnight those results came in, and as the following (translated) statement from the Vienna Zoo Website informs us, the rest of birds tested positive as well.
Diseased euthanized Pelican Group
March 10, 2017
After the bird flu virus was detected on Tuesday in a Dalmatian pelican at the zoo, the remaining 20 pelicans have been examined by the Zootierärzten together with the official veterinarians of the MA 60 (Veterinary Services and Welfare of the City of Vienna) on the same day. Last night was before finding AGES: All Pelikan group was infected with the H5N8 virus. "In coordination with the authorities and as protection for the remaining bird population of the zoo today had breakfast every Pelicans are euthanized," said zoo veterinarian Thomas Voracek.
"The City of Vienna supports the Tiergarten at now necessary cleansing and disinfection to disregard hold a further spread of the virus," said Ruth Jily, Head of MA 60 - veterinary services and animal welfare. For people represents the virus present no danger. The officially ordered security measures remain upright. The bird house Rainforest House and Desert House remain closed until further notice. Schönbrunn Zoo regrets the loss of his animals. The colony in Schönbrunn counted the world's largest pelican colonies in zoos. Dalmatian pelicans are the largest Pelikanart with a wingspan of around three meters. Their occurrence ranging from Eastern Europe to China.
Sadly, Schönbrunn Zoo is hardly a rare event, as we've seen more than 3 dozen zoos and animal parks across Europe report HPAI H5 infections since November (cite ESA 2/27 Epidemiology Report).
