Agriculture Ministry probes potential bird flu outbreak at Brasilia Zoo
Avian Flu Investigation Underway at Brasilia Zoo
Brasilia, the Federal District's capital, has a temporary closure of its zoo following a suspected case of avian flu. This unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, May 28, after a pigeon and a duck were discovered dead on the zoo grounds and taken for laboratory analysis [3][4][2].
The zoo has implemented its protocol for suspected avian flu cases by isolating the affected area. Officers from the Secretariat of Agriculture of the Federal District (Seagri-DF) conducted an on-site inspection, while the testing of the birds falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) [4].
As of the latest updates, there is no established timeline for the test results. The zoo must remain closed until these results are delivered and authorities confirm it is safe for reopening [3][4][2]. The two deceased animals were not part of the zoo's herd but lived freely on the premises. Seagri-DF confirmed that no other avian flu cases have been reported in the Federal District [4].
In a statement, the secretariat emphasized that the preventive closure aims to protect the health of animals, zoo staff, and visitors. The timeline for the zoo reopening depends on the laboratory results and the absence of any public health risks [4].
Over the past few weeks, a team has been deployed to disinfect vehicles at the zoo's entrance due to ongoing maintenance. Zoo staff and other professionals working within the park are provided with masks for protection [4].
Since the avian flu outbreak in Montenegro, Brazil – the world's largest exporter of chicken meat – temporarily ceased shipments to 24 countries, including China, its principal customer [5]. The country has reported a total of 166 avian flu cases in wild animals and three foci in poultry farms, with ongoing investigations in seven regions [5].
Two dead birds were also found in a farm in Mateus Leme, Minas Gerais. Laboratory tests confirmed the avian flu outbreak on May 26, but these birds were of free life and did not belong to a commercial property [5].
In conclusion, the investigation of avian flu at the Brasilia Zoo is still ongoing, with test results pending and decisions on reopening contingent upon these results and the assurance of public safety. The risk of avian flu to the general public remains low.
Avian FluBrasilia ZooBrasilia-DFMinistry of AgricultureZooBrasiliaZoological Park
Renato Alves
- To ensure the health and wellness of animals, zoo staff, and visitors, the Brasilia Zoo has implemented its protocol for suspected avian flu cases, including isolating the affected area and conducting laboratory analysis.
- While the preventive closure of the Brasilia Zoo continues, authorities are investigating avian medical-conditions in the Federal District and environmental-science agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture are responsible for testing the birds.
