WASHINGTON — The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is reminding all animal caretakers of the critical importance of biosecurity in protecting animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. This reminder follows the confirmation by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories of HPAI H5N1 detections in several species of big cats and other animals in captive wildlife facilities.
It was recently reported that at least six animals died at the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium approximately 20 miles from Phoenix, Ariz., after bird flu exposure, which included a cheetah, a mountain lion, and some bird species.
Many species are. . .