New threat to bird populations makes way to Kansas - KWCH

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WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A new threat to bird populations has made its way to Kansas. This month, the Kansas Department of Agriculture reported its first case of bird flu since 2015. The new case was discovered southwest of the Kansas City metro in a flock of backyard poultry.

It has the agency taking precautions.

One place where you’ll see the impact of what is being called “highly pathogenic avian influenza” is at the Sedgwick County Zoo. There are no cases at the zoo, but nearly all its bird exhibits are closed, and precautions are being taken to protect the animals. While the virus poses little risk to humans, birds are much more vulnerable.

Still, in the best interest of the nearly 850 birds at the Sedgwick County Zoo, it’s time to practice social distancing. Sedgwick County Zoo Curator of Birds Amy Heitman explained the precautionary steps the zoo is taking.

“We’re going to take steps to keep our birds separate from any wild birds that may be handing around the zoo,” she said.

That included moving the flamingos, located near the zoo’s entrance, to their indoor holding area.

The prevention is appropriate, although the timing is unfortunate, Heitman said.

“It’s Spring Break right now, so we’re upset our guests aren’t able to view our birds, but it is in their best interest,” she said.

Only a few bird exhibits at the Sedgwick County Zoo remain visible for public view.

“Our penguins and then our bald eagles over in North America,” Heitman said. “That’s because of the way the exhibits are. The birds are still protected.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture said for poultry farmers and people with backyard chickens or other domestic birds, taking similar biosecurity steps is critical.

These steps include:

• Preventing contact with wild birds, especially wild waterfowl. Remove any potential nesting areas for wild birds.
• Covering and enclosing outdoor feeding areas and cover stored feed.
• Taking all possible steps to separate wild birds from having any access to your flock or their living area.
• Cleaning and disinfecting any vehicle tires or equipment that has been on other farms or other locations where there is poultry or wild birds.
• Wearing clean clothing, boots, and shoes when in contact with your flock.
• Restricting unauthorized people and vehicles.
• Isolating new birds.

“Minimize the visitors. Don’t take birds off-site and bring them back to your facility,” said Kansas Department of Agriculture Animal Health Commissioner Dr. Justin Smith. “If you’re buying new birds, make sure they’re from a certified clean source or make sure that you at least quarantine those birds.”

In the U.S., the bird flu was detected earlier this year on the East Coast and has been making its way west. The department of agriculture said it presents like other respiratory viruses.

“They need to know what those symptoms will look like in their birds and to monitor the birds on a daily or more routine basis than that,” Dr. Smith said.

For the Sedgwick County Zoo, Heitman said its closely monitoring the spread of the virus across Kansas and working with its partners.

“The prevalence starts to decrease, then we can look at relaxing some of our protocols,” she said.

The animal care staff at the Sedgwick County Zoo is also wearing personal protection equipment when caring for the birds to help limit the possibility they could track the virus in. The department of agriculture recommends people wear clean clothes and shoes when caring for their own flocks. Anyone with sick domestic birds is asked to report it to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The last severe outbreak of the avian flu in the Midwest happened in 2014 and 2015. A K-State center that studies animal diseases said it resulting in the deaths of about 50 million birds. It caused an increase in the prices of chicken and turkey meat, as well as the price of eggs.

Copyright 2022 KWCH. All rights reserved.

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