'Heartbreak' as avian influenza leads to birds being culled
Staff at Exmoor Zoo say their thoughts are with all those in Paignton, where some animals will need to be culled
Last updated 2nd Sep 2022
Bosses at Paignton Zoo say they're heartbroken, after being told that birds affected by avian influenza will have to be culled.
The zoo's had a positive case in a pelican and also a peafowl - with some animals on site having to be quarantined and the zoo remaining closed until Monday.
At the moment all of Devon and Cornwall and part of Somerset are under special control measures from Defra
At Exmoor Zoo, a walkway has been closed as a precaution and keepers are warning visitors they will be 'discouraging the stay of ducks or gulls' which might use the central lake because of the ongoing drought conditions in the region.
A spokesperson for Paignton Zoo said: “Following our recent announcement of a positive case of avian influenza in one of our pelicans, it has been confirmed today by APHA that we have a positive case in one of our peafowl.
"Throughout this incredibly difficult period we have been working closely with officials from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as they assess the extent of the outbreak and determine their next course of action.
"Our mission at Wild Planet Trust is to protect at-risk species and we firmly hold onto our belief that every species is important. Despite the continuing hard work by all of our staff to minimise the impact of this disease upon our animals, we have been informed by DEFRA that affected animals will be humanely culled. This action will be undertaken by staff from DEFRA.
"We are currently waiting for clarification from APHA on which species they consider to be directly affected and we anticipate being informed imminently. Once we have received this information we will comply with APHA requirements.
"This is heart-breaking news for all of us here at Paignton Zoo, and our priority at this time remains to do all we can to protect our birds.
"In the meantime we will continue to implement biosecurity measures and quarantine plans which include relocating birds to new quarantine facilities on-site.
"All of this means that Paignton Zoo will remain closed to visitors until at least Sunday 4th September, and we hope to re-open on Monday 5th September. All those that have booked to visit us will be notified and refunds will be processed as soon as possible.
"We would like to thank all of our incredible team who continue to go above and beyond to safeguard the health and welfare of our animals during these challenging times.
"We would also like to thank everyone for their continued understanding and support.”
Danny Reynolds, Collection Manager and trustee Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre Trust, said: "Exmoor Zoo is seriously worried about the spread and the severity of this avian influenza epidemic. This is very poignant with us due to the entire loss of our penguins from avian malaria a few years ago.
"Bio-security precautions have been in place since spring and we have become more diligent due the recent outbreaks in Tiverton in Mid-Devon. The declaration of the Avian Influenza zone by the Animal Plant & Health Agency veterinarians does not come as a surprise and we are well prepared for this. Zoos and poultry farmers have had to contend with what is usually a normal winter problem since 2008. The most worrying aspect of this epidemic (like Paignton Zoo who have a case on site) is the impact and the required culling of any infected birds and possibly any of those associated with them on the premises.
"At the moment we are in a drought and that has meant our natural water levels in the zoo are very low discouraging visiting waterfowl and the herring gulls from the coastline. We are unable to net over the and protect our central lake with our pelicans due to its size and are we will have to rely on our diligence and discouragement of these birds from visiting. Much easier this time of year than in the winter when their search for food drives them to our premises.
"So, if you visit and see our keepers discouraging the stay of ducks or gulls can we apologise in advance. We are only reverting to these tactics out of necessity as we have to do our best to protect some of the rare and endangered avian species we have here as a conservation trust and charity.
"Our thoughts go out to Paignton Zoo as the APHA veterinarians scientifically consider the containment necessary to stop the spread of what is a devastating avian epidemic and to everybody endeavouring to create the best bio-security measures they can achieve to protect their stock."