ST. LOUIS – The Saint Louis Zoo has closed two exhibits “until further notice” as a precaution after a wild wood duck found dead on zoo grounds last week tested positive for avian influenza.
The zoo says no birds or other animals under its care have shown clinical signs or been diagnosed with the virus, more commonly known as bird flu. However, officials announced Friday that the zoo would take several precautions to protect its animals, closing some exhibits and enhancing biosecurity measures.
Saint Louis Zoo staff retrieved a deceased wild wood duck from a lake near the center of the zoo last week. Zoo officials have since sent samples for further testing to identify if this was a case of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain.
In response, the zoo announced the following precautions on Friday:
- The Cypress Swamp and Bird House will be closed to guests until further notice.
- Penguin & Puffin Coast will close an hour early each day, so that staff can complete deep cleaning of the public space.
- Some zoo birds will remain outside, while others have been moved indoors.
- The zoo has temporarily discontinued sales for some of the Zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Tours during migratory bird season.
HPAI is a virus that primarily affects birds and can spread rapidly within both domestic and wild populations.
The zoo noted that HPAI does not pose any immediate human health concerns at the zoo, and the CDC considers the current public health risk to humans for HPAI to be low.