Evansville zoo moves birds indoors after avian flu found in southern Illinois

Zoo officials in Evansville say they've had to move all of their birds indoors after avian influenza was detected nearby in southern Illinois.

Mesker Park Zoo posted on Facebook that the bird flu was detected by the USDA in a wild pelican in Williamson County, 80 miles west of Evansville. 

As a result, the zoo moved all penguins, Amazonia free-flight birds, and other susceptible species indoors for at least the next four weeks.

The safety precautions could be extended if more bird flu cases are discovered within a 150-mile radius.

The zoo added that staff members will take other precautionary measures to protect the birds, like using dedicated footwear and tools to prevent cross-contamination.



(Photo: Mesker Park Zoo Facebook)