Woodland Park Zoo Confirms Bird Flu Case

A red-breasted goose at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has died from a suspected case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking the zoo's first potential bird flu case. Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of the virus, with further confirmatory testing pending. In response, the zoo is intensifying biosecurity measures, including closing walk-through aviaries, canceling bird-related guest experiences, and moving remaining red-breasted geese to a quarantine area for monitoring. The zoo had previously enacted precautions due to an uptick in HPAI cases across Washington state, including draining bird pools and restricting access to avian species. While the virus poses a low risk to humans, protective measures for staff and animals are being reinforced, and the zoo is cooperating with health authorities to ensure safety. Additionally, four agricultural workers in Washington tested presumptively positive for bird flu in October, prompting further investigations into human cases in the state.