- Marwell Zoo penguins that had been quarantined because of bird flu gets all-clear.
- The seven individuals in isolation have now tested negative for the illness.
- 4 other penguins perished, and 4 more tested positive.
Marwell Zoo penguins that had been quarantined because of bird flu have been given the all-clear, according to a zoo management.
After an avian flu outbreak in December, the Marwell Zoo in Hampshire isolated seven of the birds.
Four other penguins perished, and four more tested positive and had to be put to death per the law.
The seven individuals in isolation have now tested negative for the illness and will be released back into their cage along with the flamingo population of the facility.
A 3 km (1.86 mile) monitoring zone was established around Highclere and Colden Common after the (HPAI) H5N1 strain of avian flu was detected on December 6.
For their own safety and as a precaution, the flamingos and seven penguins were separated.
“We are delighted that the outbreak was contained swiftly,” said a spokeswoman Marwell Zoo, near Colden Common.
She added it had been working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
“Our flamingos have now been given access to the whole of their enclosure again and we are working with the relevant authorities to get the penguins back in their enclosure as soon as possible,” she continued.
She stated there will still be restrictions on entering the Energy For Life: Tropical House and walk-through aviaries.
“The sooner the penguins return to their enclosure the better, from a welfare perspective,” Justine Shotton, veterinary services manager, said.
According to Ms. Shotton, penguins maintained indoors are susceptible to aspergillosis, a potentially fatal fungal infection, and photodermatitis, a disorder affecting the birds’ feet.
She claimed that every penguin in the zoo was taking an antifungal medicine, and their health was being closely checked.
As long as avian influenza is a problem, risk evaluations will go on, Ms. Shotton said.
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