Rostock Zoo open after bird flu case

Avian flu: Rostock Zoo may open again

01/14/2015

In the Rostock Zoo no further bird flu suspected case has been discovered. After the pathogen H5N8 had been detected in several zoos in the zoo, the facility was temporarily closed. From Wednesday parts of the zoo can be visited again.

Part of the zoo opens again
Breathing open in the Rostock Zoo: According to a report by the dpa news agency, after evaluating all samples of birds and feed, there are no further suspected cases of bird flu. According to a release from the zoo, the part around the Darwineum may reopen on Wednesday. The zoo was closed since last Thursday. Since the beginning of January, a total of 60 animals have fallen victim to avian influenza zoo birdwatchers, including white storks, geese, ducks and ibis.

Cause of disease outbreak unknown
Three infected storks were dead, 57 birds were killed as a precaution. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, these animals were infected with the bird flu virus H5N8. All results outside the weaner house had been negative. The loss of 60 animals was very regrettable, according to Minister of Agriculture Till Backhaus (SPD). „Fortunately, there has been no proliferation of this highly dangerous disease, also because of our actions.“ The cause of the disease outbreak is not yet known.

Pathogen has appeared in Europe since November
Since November, the virus subtype H5N8, which previously only circulated in East Asia, appeared in several European countries. It is still unclear whether the virus has come to Europe via wild birds or the feed and poultry trade. Diseases of people exposed to H5N8 have not been reported so far. Other types of viruses, such as H7N9, have been shown to transmit to humans. These patients showed typical bird flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and sore throat. In rare cases, it can also cause discomfort such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting.

Care in other zoos
Also in other zoos since the occurrence of avian influenza in the Rostock Zoo baffled about the birds. For example, in the bird park Marlow in the district of Rostock since the introduction of the stable obligation in November, all waterfowl were taken from the pond in aviaries in order to prevent contact with wild birds, said zoological director Gudrun Haase. The caregivers checked every bird daily to see if they looked healthy. „So far we have no problems“, Haase. In the Schwerin zoo, which is not in a risk area, there is no obligation for stable animals. There, the birds continue to frolic in the open, as the scientific staff Sabrina Höft said. „Actually, we are pretty relaxed“, Hoeft. „We do what is possible, but can not rule anything out.“ All birds were strictly monitored according to their statement.

Half admission price in the Rostock Zoo
As announced, the Zoo in Rostock can be visited for the first time for half the entrance fee. However, according to the ministry, special epidemic hygiene measures apply. For example, disinfectant mats must be used. Other areas of the zoo remain closed for further investigation and action. The stable obligation remains existing both in risk areas and in the Rostock city area. (Ad)