UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is closely monitoring a highly transmissible and potentially fatal strain of the avian flu that could impact the bird population at the center’s Klingsberg Aviary.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first identified in migrating waterfowl earlier this year. As of May 5, HPAI has been confirmed in at least 35 states, including Pennsylvania, affecting more than 37 million U.S. chickens, turkeys and wild birds. The virus spreads directly from bird to bird, primarily through contact with feces and birds’ saliva and nasal secretions, or indirectly from clothing, tools and equipment.
Raptors, vultures and corvids — including the species that reside within the Klingsberg Aviary — are at high risk of mortality. Songbirds do not seem to be affected, and the virus presents a low risk to humans.
“Preventing transmission to our resident birds is essential,” said Paige Sutherland, Shaver’s Creek’s lead animal ambassador. “The preventative steps we’re taking are critical in ensuring the health and well-being of our resident avian ambassadors since the outbreak has proven to be deadly to their wild counterparts.”
Shaver’s Creek staff is monitoring the spread of the HPAI and proactively taking steps to protect the center’s wildlife from exposure, including:
- Increasing visitor signage educating guests on the avian flu and its impact on both resident and native wildlife
- Wearing clean, designated clothing and footwear while on site
- Using various sanitation stations before and after entering high-risk areas of transmission
- Limiting daily contact with the resident birds
Visitors to Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and the Klingsberg Aviary can also take important steps to mitigate the risk for the aviary’s birds, including:
- Using an accessible sanitation station to disinfect footwear at the entrance of the Klingsberg Aviary prior to entering the aviary
- Not visiting the center if from high-risk areas, such as Lancaster and Berks counties, or those who work with or own commercial or domestic poultry and waterfowl
Shaver’s Creek, in consultation with one of the University’s attending veterinarians from the College of Agricultural Sciences, continually performs ongoing risk assessments to ensure the health and safety of the avian ambassadors.
To assist with the prevention of further outbreaks, the public can avoid contact with and report any sick, injured or deceased avian wildlife to the closest Pennsylvania Game Commission regional office.