Toronto Zoo to temporarily close aviaries after avian flu detected at poultry farm

The facility also said that safety precautions will be taken for guests and staff starting March 16.

Thestar.com
March 16, 2023
Marissa Birnie

The Toronto Zoo is announcing new safety measures to protect guests and animals after avian flu cases at a nearby poultry farm.

In a press release Wednesday, the zoo said it confirmed cases of avian flu at the commercial poultry farm located within 200 kilometres of the facility.

The zoo said it will close or modify the bird aviaries in its pavilions starting March 16.

Avian flu, or H5N1, can spread to both animals and humans.

According to experts, when H5N1 spreads to humans it can result in death rates as high as 50 per cent, although there is no indication the virus is able to spread efficiently from human to human.

“While this strain of the disease is highly contagious and lethal to birds, it is important to note there have been no human cases detected in Canada,” said the zoo in the press releas

The zoo said it will suspend tours of its animal food preparation and bird housing areas.

Zoo staff are required to wear foot pads or change their boots when entering aviary exhibits, according to the press release.

The zoo said it will temporarily stop feeding its animals poultry products and take steps to keep wild birds off zoo property.