Junior Museum and Zoo removes birds from view amid avian flu outbreak – Mountain View Voice

Concerned about a bird flu outbreak, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo has removed its birds from public viewing and canceled all bird interactions, including the popular flamingo feeding activity, until further notice.

Avian influenza in wild birds and poultry is common in the U.S. but typically poses low risk to humans, according to the zoos website. The outbreaks do pose a threat to local birds, however, and the zoo, located at 1451 Middlefield Road, is taking precautions to protect its feathered inhabitants.

The current outbreak of avian influenza is highly pathogenic, according to a press release from Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. Four cases were detected in Canada geese and red-tailed hawks in Santa Clara County in August and early September.

Avian influenza typically is restricted to aquatic birds.

"This is primarily because of the watery habitat they enjoy, which assists in the spread of the virus," Matthew Dodder, executive director of Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, said in an emailed statement. "It is well known that wildfowl, particularly ducks and geese, will make use of small urban ponds and pools."

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Junior Museum and Zoo removes birds from view amid avian flu outbreak - Mountain View Voice