An avian influenza outbreak has killed 24 million poultry birds, experts report.
According to USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the flu has been deemed to be “highly pathogenic,” killing millions of ducks, turkeys and chickens in both domestic and commercial settings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explained that the avian flu spreads by way of nasal secretions, feces and saliva but made it clear that it is rare for humans to be infected by the flu, although it is still possible.
In the recent data released by the health department, there have been four confirmed cases of humans infected by the flu from birds. However, no cases of humans spreading the flu to another human has been recorded yet.
Amid the terrifying number of flu-related deaths, Zoos start taking measures to protect the birds that are in their care.
“Out of an abundance of caution for some of the Zoo birds in our care, we have temporarily closed some bird habitats while we proactively monitor and evaluate the situation.” Columbus Zoo said in a statement.
In addition, the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois is also taking measures to keep their birds from coming into contact with the wild birds that may already be infected with the flu while others close some of its bird exhibits.
