The Košice Zoo has been closed to the public since Wednesday due to a confirmed case of bird flu. The National Reference Laboratory in Zvolen confirmed the infection with the H5N1 virus in a Great Crested Grebe, a species native to North America. Eva Malešová, head of the education and marketing department at the Košice Zoo explained that, as a result, the Regional Veterinary and Food Administration of Košice decided to close the zoo until further notice. The duck exhibited unusual behavior in the zoo pond, prompting suspicion from the breeders and veterinarian, which was later confirmed.
"The Košice Zoo has tightened breeding rules these days. We have installed disinfectant mats at the entrance, especially for supplies, we have a disinfection process, and we are adding more vitamins and support substances to the feed for species at risk of infection that live in outdoor exhibits," said zoologist Patrik Pastorek. Breeders in the bird section are working under a modified regime, with strict segregation of bird care to prevent transmission. A protection zone has also been established within a three-kilometer radius of the outbreak.
The zoo announced it will remain closed to the public for at least 21 days, depending on the development of the infection, and has canceled all events scheduled until the end of the year. The zoo is home to 150 bird species and more than 580 individuals. "For those interested in meeting animals, we recommend visiting our Environmental Education Center, the so-called ZooDom at Mojmírová Street 1 in Košice, which is open every day except Monday," Malešová added. The center is planning an Open Day with contact animals on December 20, which will enrich the permanent exhibition of reptiles and amphibians.
Source: TASR
