Bird Flu Measures Increase in Sri Lanka, Zoos

The global spread of bird flu, particularly in neighboring countries like India and Pakistan, has raised significant health concerns, prompting warnings from experts about its potential impact on humans and domestic poultry. Dr. C.S. Botenne highlighted that bird flu, or avian influenza, can infect various birds, including domesticated species, and has been found to affect mammals in some cases. In response to recent outbreaks, facilities like Paradise Park in Cornwall and the Honolulu Zoo have implemented stringent biosecurity measures to protect their birds from the virus, including restricting access to certain areas and monitoring for sick or dead wildlife. The Honolulu Zoo has particularly focused on isolating vulnerable species and strict protocols for staff and visitors to prevent transmission. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, public awareness about the risks of bird flu and the importance of reporting sick birds remains critical.