Abilene Zoo birds taken off exhibit again following avian flu warning

Staff report
·1 min read

The Abilene Zoo's birds are off exhibit again after a week in the public eye following another case of avian flu H5N1 in the state, zoo staff reported Thursday.

Texas Parks & Wildlife alerted the zoo at about 3 p.m. Wednesday that a wild bird in Wichita County had tested positive for avian flu, said Clay Carabajal, the zoo's supervisor of conservation.

The birds had already been moved inside for the day in anticipation of bad weather, Carabajal said, adding that the birds at highest risk — such as ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens — will be kept indoors, while others will be monitored for any warning signs.

The Abilene Zoo's Military Macaw, Iris, preens the feathers under her wing Wednesday April 27, 2022. This was the first time birds have been on exhibit at the zoo since April 4 when they were quarantined after a viral respiratory disease known as H5N1 was discovered affecting wild birds in Erath County.
The Abilene Zoo's Military Macaw, Iris, preens the feathers under her wing Wednesday April 27, 2022. This was the first time birds have been on exhibit at the zoo since April 4 when they were quarantined after a viral respiratory disease known as H5N1 was discovered affecting wild birds in Erath County.

"We'll make the best decision for our animals," said Carabajal.

While the Texas Animal Health Commission requires a 14-day quarantine after a case is detected, the Abilene Zoo instead quarantines for 21 days as an additional precaution, Carabajal said, meaning the birds will not be back on display until late May.

The zoo's birds had been put back on display April 27 after three weeks of quarantine due to an April 3 report of avian flu in Erath County.

More: Abilene Zoo birds back on public view after avian flu precautions

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene Zoo birds taken off exhibit again following avian flu warning