Roger Williams Park Zoo Takes Precautions Against Avian Flu

PROVIDENCE, RI — As concerns about dangerous avian flu along the East Coast, the Roger Williams Park Zoo took steps to protect its avian residents.

The zoo's veterinary team has been tracking the deadly illness since February and developed a preparedness plan, zoo officials explained in a statement. The virus affects both wild and domestic bird flocks.

Some of the most susceptible bird breeds are no longer in their outdoor habitats, including chickens, turkey, peacock and birds of prey. The birds were moved off-exhibit to indoor or fully-meshed enclosures, along with the implementation of increased sanitary protocols, continuing the use of face masks around all animal species and immediate reporting of any birds that look ill to veterinary staff.

Dr. Kim Wojick, the zoo's senior veterinarian, said that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is a "serious concern" for the zoo.

"Good management requires a preventative plan of action prior to the appearance of this highly pathogenic virus," Wojick said. "The well-being of all the animals in our care is of the greatest importance."

In March, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that avian flu posed a widespread threat to poultry in the state.