14 Phoenix Zoo pelicans die of a highly contagious bird flu
The Phoenix Zoo announced Monday that 14 pelicans died of a highly contagious bird flu.
The birds died of highly pathogenic avian influenza, known as HPAI.
Zoo officials say several birds began showing signs or neurological impairment on Oct. 15. Twelve birds were taken to the zoo's animal care center and received intense treatment but could not be saved. Two other pelicans who were exhibiting similar symptoms were later euthanized.
“On Saturday ... some of the zoo’s pink-backed pelicans began showing signs of neurologic impairment. Shortly after, both of the Zoo’s brown pelicans and three white pelicans also developed similar symptoms,” said Dr. Gary West of the Phoenix Zoo in a press release. “Despite being taken to the zoo’s animal care center for examination, testing and intensive treatment, we unfortunately lost all nine pink-backed pelicans, one brown pelican and two white pelicans. Another two pelicans who were exhibiting similar symptoms were humanely euthanized last week.”
The affected pelicans lived in an outdoor lake which is exposed to wildlife. But the pelicans did not come in contact with the zoo's other birds, which representatives said do not seem to be affected.
