Officials at Lincoln Park Zoo confirmed Wednesday that a harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo each died of highly pathogenic avian flu earlier this month.
In a statement, zoo officials said the source of exposure to the Chilean flamingo named Teal and a harbor seal named Slater was unknown, though they believe it was the result of contact with infected waterfowl.
“This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team,” officials said in the statement. “Not only are we facing the first known cases of (highly pathogenic avian flu) in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals.”
This form of avian flu is spread through saliva, nasal secretions and feces of infected birds. The virus can spread to humans through contact with infected animals. People can catch the virus if it gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or if they breathe it in, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Earlier this month, a Louisiana man was the first human death from the current outbreak. Officials said the zoo will remain open and poses no threat to visitors, though certain bird species would remain behind the scenes.
“Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors,” zoo President and CEO Megan Ross, said in the statement. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”
Since the outbreak, zoo officials said staff has taken safety precautions for themselves and the animals such as using additional personal protective equipment, removing opportunities for cross-contamination between species, and focused monitoring for changes in animal health or behavior.
“Sharing this news of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the area is important for our community at large,” said Seth Magle, director of the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute. “To protect yourself, do not handle wildlife. Additionally, keep your pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs on leash away from wildlife.”