NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s barnyard birds, waterfowl and penguins are off exhibit after 200 wild snow geese were found dead of suspected bird flu across the region.
“Our most at-risk species, whose habitats are without roofs, have been moved off exhibit and will be monitored by our dedicated staff. We will continue to keep a close eye on positive cases of HPAI ensuring we continue to provide excellent care for our zoo residents.”Amanda Shurr, Lehigh Valley Zoo president and CEO
“LV Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and works hard daily to uphold the highest standards in the field,” said Amanda Shurr, the zoo’s president and CEO, in a news release. “During the most recent outbreak in 2022, we took preventative measures to better protect our birds from future outbreaks by adding roofs to as many of their habitats as possible.
“Our most at-risk species, whose habitats are without roofs, have been moved off exhibit and will be monitored by our dedicated staff. We will continue to keep a close eye on positive cases of HPAI ensuring we continue to provide excellent care for our zoo residents.”
On Thursday, about 200 dead snow geese were recovered from Lower Nazareth Township and Upper Macungie Township, Game Commission officials said in a news release. Preliminary in-state testing indicated the presence of HPAI, or highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Results are yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at its National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
Bird flu is caused by an influenza type A virus and is highly contagious and often fatal in birds.
While some wild bird species can carry the virus without becoming sick, HPAI has been affecting both wild waterfowl as well as domestic poultry species since 2022.
“As a result of the highly transmissible nature of HPAI, LV Zoo immediately began to implement enhanced safety precautions to protect the birds in its care,” officials said. “The zoo has elected to move the most susceptible species indoors to eliminate contact with wild birds on zoo grounds.
“Other precautions taken include higher levels of biosecurity for birds; personal protective equipment for staff; restricted access to bird areas; and discontinuation of bird-centered educational programs and interactives.”
