According to the Akron Zoo, the birds are being moved indoors as a precaution and all of them “remain healthy.”
The Akron Zoo is relocating some of its birds from outdoor enclosures due to the detection of bird flu cases in Ohio, the zoo reported on Thursday.
As a preventive measure following the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza cases in the state, the birds are being shifted indoors, although all birds at the zoo are currently reported as healthy.
The zoo reassured that the risk to humans is minimal at this time, and there is no heightened risk for visitors. The primary concern lies in native birds that may come into contact with zoo birds by landing on the premises, the zoo explained.
Since a country-wide outbreak in 2022, bird flu has been spreading nationwide, killing millions of wild and domestic birds worldwide over the last two years, among other animals.
More than 145 million chickens, turkeys and other birds on poultry farms have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began, with the vast majority of them being egg-laying chickens.
The Akron Zoo said the birds will return outdoors “as soon as the risk of exposure is low.”
“We know you love our feathered friends as much as we do,” the zoo said. “The health and welfare of our birds is our top priority.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
