The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo &Gardens will implement precautionary measures to protect its animals from bird flu after the virus was detected on the Big Island.
Until further notice, birds will not be available for visiting at the petting zoo, nor will the zoo accept any animal donations. According to a Hawaii County statement, the zoo is also considering installing additional mesh and roof structures in its aviaries and other animal habitats to prevent contact with wild birds.
Visitors are advised to avoid contact with birds at the zoo and to stay on pathways and on the proper side of fences. People should not feed or pass items to any zoo animals, and should avoid visiting the zoo if they feel ill. Footwear is also required at the zoo.
Visitors are also advised to not “drop off chickens, turkeys, ducks, peacocks or other birds at the zoo.”
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the risk to the public from bird flow is low, but the virus can seriously impact certain bird populations, particularly poultry.
“In the zoo profession, we are always preparing for biosecurity events like the bird flu,” said Zoo Administrator Mindy Runnells in a statement. “Many cleaning and disinfecting protocols that we already have in place are designed to prevent illness. This is just adding some steps as a safety precaution.”
“These precautionary steps are intended to protect our animals, staff, volunteers, and guests,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda in a statement. “In addition to adhering to these guidelines, we also ask the public to help with monitoring and report occurrences of multiple or unusual illnesses in birds, livestock or other animals on Hawaiii Island to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.”
Residents should contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division if they observe multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals at 808-483-7102, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.
