Distance Calgary Zoo to Butterfield Acres 12 mi
#18,916
Yesterday, in Canada: Alberta Petting Zoo Closed For HPAI H5 - Recent Visitors Asked to Monitor For Symptoms, we looked at a public health advisory issued after a local petting zoo (Butterfield Acres) was closed for HPAI.Although we are seeing some delayed reporting - particularly here in the United States - it is apparent that avian flu has returned earlier than usual - and in force - both here in North America and in Europe.
Last year Canada went a full 6 months - (April 10th - Oct 21st) without reporting a single HPAI outbreak in poultry, but their CFIA has already reported 20 outbreaks since September.
Overnight the Calgary Zoo - which is located just 12 miles from the petting zoo (see map above) discussed yesterday - announced the precautionary closure of several exhibits; citing recent detections of HPAI in `close proximity' to the zoo.
Protecting our Birds: Viewing Updates Effective October 21
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in close proximity to the zoo. The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:
- The Rainforest Aviary and the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are closed;
- All birds have been moved indoors, where possible, and may not be viewable (including Chilean flamingoes, ostrich, African grey-crowned cranes, greater rheas, whooping crane, red-crowned cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, and peacocks); and
- The indoor habitat at Penguin Plunge remains open with increased pathway disinfection and disinfectant mats at the entrance.
By limiting access to our beloved birds, we’re helping to protect them from potential contamination from outside the zoo. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.
Meanwhile, CBC News is reporting (see AHS testing people in relation to bird flu outbreak at petting farm, Calgary Zoo taking precautions) that:
"Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed 12 people have been referred for testing and all “symptomatic workers” at Butterfield Acres Petting Farm are being tested after nine cases of Influenza A H5, commonly known as the avian flu, were identified in poultry."
At this time, no positive cases have been announced. Hopefully we'll get additional information in days ahead.
