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Harbor seal dies of avian flu at New Bedford zoo
A 21-year-old harbor seal died last week at the Buttonwood Park Zoo due to complications from avian flu.
A harbor seal at a New Bedford zoo died earlier this month from complications of avian flu, officials said.
Blue, a 21-year-old harbor seal, died last week due to complications from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as avian flu, the Buttonwood Park Zoo said on Facebook.
Blue likely contracted the virus through contact with an infected wild bird, according to zoo officials.
Avian flu
“Avian flu continues to affect a range of wild and domesticated animal populations, including residents at zoos across the country, so the recent event at BPZOO is, regrettably, far from unique,” officials said in post.
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Zoo officials reaffirmed that there is no risk to visitors and that Conway and Luna, two other seals at the zoo, are healthy.
Officials removed public duck feeders and relocated vulnerable species to reduce the risk of avian flu spreading, the post said.
“Our veterinary and animal care teams continue to monitor all BPZOO residents closely, and our team is following strict protective protocols to prevent cross-contamination between species,” zoo officials said. “Thank you all for your patience, well wishes, and understanding.”
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