Sedgwick Co. Zoo closes some exhibits after case of ‘bird flu’ is detected in Kansas
The Sedgwick County Zoo is temporarily closing its bird exhibits, including Penguin Encounters, to the public after a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was reported in central Kansas.
Sedgwick County Zoo officials learned of the positive case of HPAI on Wednesday afternoon.
This particular strain is not thought to pose a high risk to humans, but “many zoo animals are susceptible to to the disease,” according to a release from the zoo.
The zoo’s bird exhibits will be closed to the public until further notice in “order to protect the health of animals and humans, as well as its business operations,” the release says.
Eduardo Castillo
The Wichita Eagle