Denver Zoo has confirmed that two recently deceased birds at Denver Zoo—a Brazilian teal and Barrow’s goldeneye—tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe illness and death in waterfowl and other bird species. Samples taken from the birds tested presumptive positive at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the results were confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

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Edited October 25, 20223 yr by niman

Denver Zoo has confirmed that two recently deceased birds at Denver Zoo—a Brazilian teal and Barrow’s goldeneye—tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe illness and death in waterfowl and other bird species. Samples taken from the birds tested presumptive positive at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the results were confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory. We have initiated our highest level of safety protocols according to our comprehensive HPAI guidelines for control and prevention, including isolating any other birds that may have been exposed to HPAI, and implementing enhanced biosecurity measures for all staff working with birds at the Zoo.

At this time, our bird keepers and veterinarians are closely monitoring all birds in our care and are prepared to manage any further cases of the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza viruses usually do not infect people, and the spread from one infected person to a close contact is very rare. The risk to our guests and staff is very low.

Due to the potential risk HPAI poses to the birds under our care, we have moved at-risk birds into safe indoor areas, and made other changes to our programming and experiences to ensure the animals’ health and safety for at least 21 days. Species that will not be in their outdoor habitats and viewable to our guests during this period include African penguins, Humboldt penguins, lorikeets, cassowaries, cinereous vultures, sarus cranes, ground hornbills and others. Additionally, all Up-Close Looks and educational experiences and programs involving birds will be suspended. We are working closely with our partners at the USDA and Colorado Department of Agriculture to determine when it’s safe to return to normal operations.

HPAI has been spreading across the United States since early 2022. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, HPAI has been detected in wild birds and domestic birds in Colorado since February 2022 and continues to pose a threat to bird populations. The agency advises bird owners to continue practicing strict biosecurity measures, such as preventing interaction between domestic and wild birds, keeping food and water sources away from migrating birds, and monitoring flocks for signs of illness or death. Veterinarians and backyard, hobby and commercial producers should report any suspicious disease events in poultry flocks and collections to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 303-869-9130. More information about HPAI can be found at Ag.Colorado.Gov/HPAI.

We are continuing to closely monitor this situation, and will share further communications and adjust our operations as needed to prioritize the health and safety of our animals, staff, and guests.

map update

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