Paignton Zoo reopens after bird flu outbreak
Two cases of avian influenza were discovered last month
Last updated 14th Sep 2022
Paignton Zoo has officially reopened to the public today (Wednesday 14 September) after closing its doors two weeks ago following the discovery of two cases of bird flu.
A "comprehensive range of enhanced biosecurity measures" have been implemented at the Devon attraction, but they say there is still "much to do" in terms of keeping their birds safe and well.
The Zoo say they now have a number of approved bio secure quarantine areas on site, and the birds within them will undergo a programme of surveillance monitoring and testing to ensure that they remain healthy.
They add that their team will continue to work in accordance with enhanced biosecurity standards throughout this quarantine period.
Read more: 'Heartbreak' as avian influenza leads to birds being culled
The Zoo says they have been working with APHA and Defra for the past two weeks to investigate the avian influenza cases.
A spokesperson said: "We have provided further details on avian influenza at Paignton Zoo and what to expect when people next visit on our newest blog.
"Visitors will notice that we have had to remove our captive birds from the main lake, and we no longer have peafowl free-roaming around the zoo.
"These birds (which are now in bio secure quarantine) were in contact with wild birds, and it will have been a sick wild bird that brought the avian influenza virus onto the site.
"These have been an extraordinary couple of weeks during which people’s emotions, resilience and professionalism have been stretched to their limits.
"It is thanks to the phenomenal efforts of people from all departments that we are now in this position, and we once again send huge thanks to everyone who has helped to get us to this point.
"We also extend our gratitude for the very many messages and gestures of support that we have received these past weeks."