CHICAGO (WGN) A harbor seal and a Chilean flamingo at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo died from avian influenza last week, zoo officials confirmed Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson for the zoo, testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the cause of death for a Chilean flamingo on Jan. 8 and a harbor seal on Jan. 9.

Zoo officials said the harbor seal, named Slater, was 7 years old and known for his rambunctious and curious nature. He was described as a quick learner who could often be seen participating in training sessions with keepers.

(Photos courtesy Lincoln Park Zoo)

The flamingo, named Teal, hatched in the fall and was just getting acquainted with her flock and keepers. A photo provided by the zoo shows Teal shortly after hatching and officials said she had grown since the photo was taken.

The cases and subsequent deaths mark the first time any animals at the zoo have contracted HPAI, officials said.

“This is sad news for wildlife and for the zoo team. Not only are we facing the first known cases of HPAI in animals in our care, but we’ve lost two amazing animals,” said Lester E. Fisher Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Kathryn Gamble, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dip. ECZM.

The sources of exposure are unclear, but officials said it was almost certainly from contact with a waterfowl infected with HPAI.

Officials said that before the test results, crews had been monitoring HPAI reports and had enacted its multi-tier proactive HPAI Response Plan.

The plan addresses considerations for staff and animals and includes additional personal protective equipment, the removal of cross-contamination opportunities between species and an increased focus on monitoring changes in individual animal health or behavior.

The zoo will also close the McCormick Bird House and keep some bird species behind the scenes until further notice to protect them.

Officials said guests who visit the zoo are not at risk of contracting HPAI from the animals.

“Because highly pathogenic avian influenza is spread by free-ranging birds, it is no riskier to visit Lincoln Park Zoo than to enjoy a walk outdoors,” said President and CEO and ornithologist Megan Ross, Ph.D. “The zoo remains a safe place to connect with the animals in our care.”

The deaths of the two zoo animals came a little over a week after DuPage County wildlife authorities euthanized a bald eagle that was found to be displaying strong signs of bird flu.

The eagle was found at Butler Cemetery in Oakbrook, but after it was rescued, it was determined that the bird demonstrated strong signs of avian flu. As a result, officials from the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center chose to euthanize it.

About a week before the DuPage County incident,  a bird flu death was reported in Louisiana.

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu is caused by avian influenza A viruses and is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic poultry.

The disease can vary in severity depending on the strain, and symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Eye infections (Conjunctivitis)

Health officials warn anyone who has been in contact with animals who may have been infected, or those who develop symptoms of flu or an eye infection, to stay home and contact their physician’s office before visiting, so they can take precautions to ensure other patients are not exposed.

Who is at risk?

According to health officials, while the risk to the general public remains low, those who work with infected animals or have recreational exposure to them are at higher risk.

Health officials said the disease can spread through contact with infected birds, commingling with wild birds or their droppings, equipment, or clothing worn by anyone working with the animals.

While it is safe to eat eggs, poultry and meat that have been fully cooked, as well as pasteurized milk and milk products, health officials said the following safety measures should be taken when handling raw meat and raw eggs:

• Wash hands and surfaces before and after food preparation.
• Avoid using the same utensils on raw meat as on other foods, even cooked meat.
• Cook raw meat thoroughly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is monitoring the situation carefully and working with states to monitor those with animal exposures.