Bird flu suspected at Bronx Zoo
The zoo has been moving vulnerable species to safer places in the parks over the last few weeks as a precautionary measure.
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The bird flu has made its way to The Bronx.
The Bronx Zoo has confirmed at least a dozen birds have died that may have been exposed to the bird flu. It comes on the heels of several cases of the virus found in poultry shops across the city and two in The Bronx.
As of right now, it is unclear which markets were affected but the city's health commissioner says there is little risk to New Yorkers. Last week Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a temporary closure of all live poultry shops in New York City for five days after undergoing a cleaning and disinfection process.
According to the Department of Health, the bird flu only spreads between birds. Water birds like geese and ducks can carry the virus without looking sick.
At the zoo, a spokesperson says they’re waiting on lab tests to confirm if bird flu is to blame for the deaths of nine wild birds on the property and three ducks on exhibit. In the meantime, they have been moving vulnerable species to safer places in the parks over the last few weeks as a precautionary measure.
If you encounter sick birds DOH would like you to report them:
For poultry, call the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at
518-457-3502
For wild birds, report online to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation:
For other animal-related concerns, call 311.
