The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is currently in high gear as it confronts a recent outbreak of avian influenza among the wildlife at Litchfield Park's Wildlife World Zoo. Key partners, including state and federal agencies, have banded together to manage the recently detected H5N1 avian flu, which has previously haunted both wild birds and domestic flocks across the United States since its first appearance in 2015. The risk to zoo visitors and the general public is considered low, but precautions are being taken to protect those who may have been in contact with the affected animals.
It was the zoo staff who first noticed the signs of illness, and upon testing conducted by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the animals were confirmed to probably be suffering from the H5N1 avian flu. "People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection," Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director at MCDPH, highlighted in a statement designed to ease public concern. The priority for officials now is to identify and provide preventative care for those at higher risk due to direct exposure to the infected animals, as per Maricopa County.
In response to this animal health crisis, the Wildlife World Zoo has placed a temporary pause on guest-related activities involving direct animal contact and ramped up safety measures. These include isolating the sick and quarantining those potentially exposed, increasing biosecurity through restricting affected area access, deploying protective gear for essential personnel, and ramping up enclosure and equipment disinfection procedures. Additionally, persistent health monitoring and viral testing among the avian populations at the zoo are underway.
Despite this setback, the Wildlife World Zoo stands resilient, expressing its gratitude for the swift response from dedicated teams and supporting health departments. "While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies," Zoo president Kristy Hayden stated in a Maricopa County release, reaffirming the zoo's commitment to the well-being of its guests and denizens alike.
Human infections with the H5 virus are rare and usually stem from unprotected contact with infected environments. Symptoms of H5 infection in people vary from mild to severe, including potential pneumonia and multi-organ failure. MCDPH reinforces that there's currently no evidence to suggest human-to-human transmission of H5, reassuring the public about the contained nature of the risk.
Apart from precautions specific to avian influenza, MCDPH also advises the public to maintain good hand hygiene and get their seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the likelihood of co-infection and the risks associated with concurrent circulation of respiratory viruses, especially in the face of flu season and upcoming holiday gatherings.
For those concerned about possible exposure or looking to stay informed on best practices for prevention, virtual interviews are available. Anyone who suspects the presence of bird flu in poultry is also encouraged to reach out to the USDA's sick bird hotline. More detailed information can be found in Maricopa County's official announcement.
