After an outbreak of avian flu among wild birds in the state, the North Carolina Zoo has decided to close its aviary, which is home to more than 100 exotic birds representing 36 different species.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in the Carolinas, three cases of avian flu have been identified so far this month.
This week, Dr. Jb Minter, Director of Animal Health at the North Carolina Zoo, said that closing the aviary was a preventative and precautionary move to safeguard all of the Zoo’s bird species since the illness may spread extremely fast and is sometimes deadly to them.
“The disease has so far only been found in a very few wild birds in North and South Carolina.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), avian flu is widespread in wild aquatic birds, which generally do not display any symptoms. Still, it may sicken and kill some domesticated species.
The North Carolina Zoo stated that the spread of avian flu may have disastrous repercussions on chicken farms (both commercial and private flocks) as well as birds in zoos and wildlife conservation institutions.
Lethal to Birds
If the avian flu virus manages to infect domesticated birds, the poultry industry, which is North Carolina’s most important agricultural commodity, might be severely harmed.
If the epidemic spreads to the poultry sector, producers will have to cull or depopulate their flocks in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Infections with avian flu in people are relatively uncommon, but when they do occur, they may be quite severe. The symptoms of bird flu in humans can vary.
The sickness may begin with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscular pains, before progressing to more serious symptoms.
However, it is possible that it will worsen to include: nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting a are all common side effects.
According to the United States Poultry & Egg Association, to the best of our knowledge, poultry is North Carolina’s most important agricultural business, with an annual economic effect of $39.76 billion.
