Avian Influenza
Information From the National Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Updated March 22, 2006
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but often do not get seriously sick. However, depending on the viral strain, some domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become fatally infected, with severe losses in domestic flocks. One strain of avian influenza of current concern, H5N1, is now endemic in much of Asia and has recently spread into the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Avian H5N1 infections have killed poultry and wild birds in many countries in these regions. It's important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the H5N1 avian influenza does not spread easily from birds to humans, and in the virus's current form, requires very close contact between infected birds and humans for this transmission to occur.
Have any of the birds at the National Zoo become infected with H5N1 avian influenza?
No. To date, there have been no known cases of H5N1 anywhere in North or South America. The National Zoo's animal care staff carefully monitor the health of our birds every day, as well as the health of our other animals. The Zoo's staff are experts who know these animals well, and are attuned to the slightest behavioral change that may indicate an animal is ill. Additionally, our pathology staff screen all wild birds and mammals found dead on Zoo grounds for signs of diseases that may affect our collection animals and our staff.
Does the National Zoo have a plan for dealing with the risk of avian influenza?
The Zoo has developed a plan that provides for a graduated response to the threat of the virus, depending on the level of risk to our animals, staff and visitors. In devising the plan, the Zoo consulted numerous federal agencies, U.S. zoos and foreign zoos. If and when the virus reaches North America, risk to the Zoo's animals will increase as the virus spreads to areas closer geographically to the National Zoo. As the level of risk increases, the Zoo will increase and adapt as necessary the preventive and protective measures to safeguard our animals, visitors and staff.
What is the National Zoo doing to minimize the risk for the animals at the Zoo?
A team of National Zoo experts is creating detailed guidelines and protocols that will help decrease the risk of avian influenza infecting our animals if it were to arrive in North America. In addition to continuing standard biosafety measures and performing regular health checks of the Zoo's animals, the National Zoo is:
- Maintaining strict testing and health requirements for animals entering our collection.
- Identifying indoor housing options for our birds in case there's a regional outbreak.
- Developing a surveillance program for our birds.
- Instituting the use of disinfectant footbaths in non-public areas of the Zoo for staff and visitors who go behind-the-scenes into animal areas. This will reduce the chance of people bringing the virus into animal areas on their shoes.
- Netting over selected outdoor bird exhibits to prevent entry of wild waterfowl.
What is the National Zoo doing to minimize the risk for Zoo visitors?
At present there is no risk to Zoo visitors as there are no known cases of H5N1 avian influenza anywhere in North America. Further, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the H5N1 avian influenza virus does not spread easily from birds to humans. If H5N1 is detected in the United States or Canada, the National Zoo will discontinue educational bird demonstration programs; discontinue behind-the-scenes tours of animal food preparation and storage areas; and discontinue behind-the-scenes tours of areas where birds are housed. The National Zoo's policy will be flexible and continually adapted to address changing risk levels.
What is the National Zoo doing to minimize the risk to employees who work with birds?
Ensuring our employees' safety is of utmost concern at the National Zoo. Enhancing sanitation is the first step we are taking to protect our employees. We are instituting several new procedures for our employees, including using disinfectant foot baths when they enter and leave animal areas, and changing out of their street clothes and shoes to uniforms and different shoes when they arrive at the work place.
Should visitors be concerned about visiting the National Zoo?
As noted above, there have been no known cases of H5N1 anywhere in North America, and the H5N1 avian influenza does not spread easily from birds to humans. As a proactive measure, the National Zoo is taking every action to ensure the safety of its visitors and employees should the virus appear in North America. We do not believe our visitors are at any higher risk here at the National Zoo than they would be anywhere else in the region.
Where are other resources for avian influenza information?
The Center for Disease Control's Web site is www.cdc.gov/flu/avian
More information from the U.S. government can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov and at www.nwhc.usgs.gov.
