San Antonio Zoo closes three exhibits after wild vulture tests ‘non-negative’ for bird flu

As a measles outbreak raises concerns in Texas, another epidemic is forcing the San Antonio Zoo to close three exhibits until further notice.

In a Sunday Facebook post, zoo officials said they’re closing the facility’s Hixon Bird House, Lory Landing and Flamingo Mingle exhibits for the foreseeable future after a deceased wild black vulture found on the grounds over the weekend tested “non-negative” for H5N1 bird flu.

“Fish feeders will be temporarily emptied, as fish food may attract wild birds,” the San Antonio Zoo also wrote its statement. “Some birds in our care will be temporarily relocated off habitat.”

The infected vulture will also be sent to a lab for further testing to ensure it wasn’t a false positive, according to the post.

Infection concerns at the San Antonio Zoo follow a week behind several dead wild black vultures at New Braunfels’ Landa Park testing positive for bird flu, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Although bird flu has been detected in birds, cows and domestic cats nationwide in recent months, the risk to humans remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 70 confirmed human cases of bird flu, only one person — a 65-year-old person in Louisiana with underlying health conditions — has died, CDC officials report.

To prevent possible transmission to humans, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encourages individuals to limit contact with birds by taking down feeders and not handling any sick or dead wildlife. The department also asked residents not to allow their pets to eat wild carcasses.

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This article appears in Feb 19-25, 2025.