Ardastra Gardens, The Bahamas’ only zoo, is moving swiftly to enhance its biosecurity measures in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza in New Providence.
“The major goal of enhanced biosecurity is to avoid closure of the zoo and to avoid culling of specimens,” the draft report stated.
According to The World Health Organisation, there have been no reported cases of bird flu in the western hemisphere, but it is only a matter of time before it spreads to this part of the world. Definitively, there havealso been no reported cases in The Bahamas.
“Most zoos around the world are pretty much their own watchdogs. We do manage our collection at all levels, including their health,” explained Nick Atchison, Zoo Director.
“It’s a normal routine for us here and for any zoo around the world to run autopsies and to run tests on any of their collection of animals that die.”
Presently, the collection of birds at Ardastra includes parrots, flamingos, horn bills, swans, ducks, pigeons and doves.
The plan makes it clear that every effort must be made to prevent and minimise transmission of the disease to staff and visitors.
Any staff member living in an area where an outbreak has occurred, is advised to use a disinfectant foot bath before re-entering the grounds.
Free ranging birds, like the peacocks and flamingos, would be contained during an outbreak.
In addition, birds will not be moved in or out of the collection during an outbreak.
“Staff working directly with birds will be required to change into specific work clothing on the premises and change into rubber boots on arrival at work,” the report noted.
Moreover those clothes would be laundered and disinfected on premises. “Bird exhibits will have individual disinfectant foot baths placed at their entry doors,” it was further outlined.
The zoo would also discontinue direct contact between visitors and the bird collection, during a period of outbreak. Closure would be a considered option if the need arises.
Despite the precautions the zoo has put in place, the director stressed that there has been no case of bird flu discovered among its collection.
The Nassau Guardian
