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American Zoo and Aquarium Association Releases National Guidelines For Avian Flu Preparedness

Posted on: Friday, 18 November 2005, 15:00 CST

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 18 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) has released to its members a set of detailed guidelines for monitoring and prevention of Avian H5N1 influenza, also known as bird flu. Although there have been no cases of H5N1 flu strain reported in North America, the guidelines will assist the 210 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in developing protocols for implementation of specific preventative measures to protect their birds and other animals should the H5N1 flu strain ever reach the United States.

AZA zoos and aquariums have been closely following developments around the world as the flu strain migrates via wild birds. The "Avian Flu: Guidelines for prevention and control in AZA member institutions" were developed over the past few months by AZA's Animal Health Committee and approved by its Board of Directors this week.

Avian influenza -- commonly called "bird flu" -- is a viral infection that occurs naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them, but some domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become infected, often fatally. One strain of avian influenza, H5N1, is endemic in much of Asia and has recently spread into Europe. Avian H5N1 infections have killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries.

"AZA has long been in the forefront of conducting research and contributing information to help local, state and federal public health officials address emerging public health concerns associated with animals," said Kristin L. Vehrs, AZA's interim executive director. "Since West Nile Virus (WNV) was first discovered in the U.S., our members have been actively involved in tracking it in this country. In fact, our members helped develop the WNV surveillance program in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control to track the virus as it migrated across the country. Our expertise in animal care and animal health continues to be a valuable resource for public health officials focused on tracking the progression of avian influenza."

AZA's avian flu guidelines include recommendations that, in addition to continuing standard biosecurity measures, zoos and aquariums should:

-- Develop control measures that would be initiated upon suspected or confirmed cases of avian influenza, such as isolating and decontaminating affected areas or closing portions of the facility.

-- Require employees working in bird areas to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and employ proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

-- Develop protocols for short-term treatment of sick and injured native birds before releasing them to rehabilitation facilities.

-- Develop an employee education program that provides information on topics such as how to prevent influenza from spreading and guidelines that help keep them and the birds they care for healthy.

-- Consider the feasibility of bringing indoors those collection birds that co-mingle with free-ranging waterfowl, depending on risk.

Other guidelines recommend proactive steps in the event of an outbreak of bird flu in or near an AZA facility. Recommendations include setting up bird quarantine areas; discontinuing direct contact between visitors and collection birds, including closing public walk-through aviaries; discontinuing behind the scenes tours of animal food preparation and storage areas; and establishing a proactive communications plan to help keep the public and officials well informed.

"AZA's Avian Flu Guidelines will help managers develop the preventive measures that are most effective for their own zoo or aquarium," said Vehrs. "The guidelines, developed by some of the country's leading animal health experts, encompass biosecurity, surveillance and vaccination, and other safety measures. There is a continuum ranging from good general practices that can be easily implemented during normal operations to measures that should be implemented only when there is an imminent concern of virus occurrence in the region."

Although it is possible for people to become infected with avian influenza, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the virus does not spread easily from animals to humans. There have been confirmed cases of human infection in Asia, but those occurred in association with virus outbreaks in poultry and usually among people who live in close quarters or work with the animals. As with West Nile Virus, there is little chance of a human visitor contracting avian flu from an affected zoo or aquarium animal because in most cases, visitors are separated from them by windows or by distance. This prevents visitors from coming into direct contact with the birds or their discharge.

For more information on the avian H5N1 virus and pandemic influenza visit: http://www.pandemicflu.gov.

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Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), envisions a world where all people respect, value and conserve animals and nature. AZA currently has 210 accredited members in the U.S. and Canada, Bermuda and Hong Kong. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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