(Monroe, LA) Avian Influenza has been detected at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Out of an abundance of caution, zoo officials are temporarily moving most of the bird population off-view to protect them from the virus.
The virus, also known as bird flu, is typically spread by wild birds during seasonal migrations. Because the disease can spread via bird droppings tracked on people’s shoes, the zoo’s budgie aviary is also temporarily closed and human contact with birds is limited to a small number of care staff.
Although the avian flu can be deadly for birds, it poses minimal risk to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to avoid direct contact with birds and their waste.