Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Officials at the ABQ BioPark are moving many of the Zoo’s avian inhabitants indoors in response to the ongoing bird flu. The virus began impacting wild birds in the Eastern U.S. in February. Now, more than 30 states including neighboring Texas and Colorado, have experienced positive cases. The virus can have a major impact on the poultry industry. In fact, in 2014, a massive outbreak killed 50 million birds in just six months, costing the industry $3 billion. This year’s outbreak is already more than half that in just two months and as a result the cost of eggs and chicken are starting to soar at grocery stores on top of regular inflation.
For Zoo animals, the risk of avian flu threatens breeding programs. About 75 birds at the BioPark have been moved to indoor locations or have had their exhibits covered with tarps. Another 25 chickens and turkeys at Heritage Farm, have been relocated inside a barn. Wild birds who visit the Tingley Beach ponds are also being monitored.
