El Paso Zoo monitors animals for “bird flu”                                          

The El Paso Zoo is monitoring animals for “bird flu” using a set of detailed guidelines for monitoring and prevention of Avian H5N1 influenza distributed by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Although there have been no cases of H5N1 flu strain reported in North America, the guidelines assist the Zoo and 209 other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in developing protocols for implementation of specific preventative measures to protect their birds and other animals should the H5N1 flu strain reach the United States.

AZA zoos and aquariums have been closely following developments around the world as the flu strain migrates via wild birds. Avian influenza - commonly called "bird flu" - is a viral infection that occurs naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the virus and often do not get sick, but domesticated birds, such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become infected, often fatally. One strain of avian influenza, H5N1, is endemic in much of Asia and has recently spread into Europe and Africa. Avian H5N1 infections have killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries.

"AZA has long been in the forefront of conducting research and contributing information to help local, state and federal public health officials address emerging public health concerns associated with animals," said Kristin L. Vehrs, AZA's interim executive director. "Since West Nile Virus (WNV) was first discovered in the U.S., our members have been actively involved in tracking it in this country. In fact, our members helped develop the WNV surveillance program in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control to track the virus as it migrated across the country. Our expertise in animal care and animal health continues to be a valuable resource for public health officials focused on tracking the progression of avian influenza."

For more information on the avian H5N1 virus and pandemic influenza visit www.pandemicflu.gov.