Avian flu shuts down Montecasino Bird Gardens
The sanctuary is the latest establishment to be affected by an outbreak sweeping through wild bird flocks in Joburg’s parks
The Montecasino Bird Gardens is the latest establishment to be affected by a bird flu outbreak that has spread to Joburg’s parks.The bird sanctuary at the casino and entertainment complex in northern Joburg has closed its doors until further notice, "as a precautionary measure following the detection of the avian flu virus".Joburg City Parks and Zoo confirmed this week that the virus had been found in Joburg Zoo‚ Westdene Dam‚ Emmarentia Dam and Zoo Lake."This is a global problem. It is not just Johannesburg that has been hit by the disease," spokeswoman Jenny Moodley said. "We have already collected 581 carcasses from these places. This strain that we are dealing with is not known to affect humans but we have taken precautionary measures to ensure safety of people working and visiting the areas‚" she said.The H5N8 bird flu virus has hit numerous poultry producers across SA since the first outbreak was detected in June.Moodley said any birds could be affected."We picked it up from t...
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