Published February 13, 2025
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is closely monitoring the status of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in our region and statewide. Since 2015, our team has worked closely with veterinary experts, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and the USDA to evaluate the risk to our flock and the need for precautionary measures. We have developed a comprehensive Avian Influenza Response Plan to proactively protect the health and safety of all birds at the center, the humans who care for them, and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPAI?
HPAI is an influenza type A virus which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds. The current strain of HPAI, Type A H5N1, was first detected in 1959. Birds shed the virus in feces, saliva, and nasal discharges. The infection causes a wide variety of signs in birds that range from asymptomatic to nasal discharge, weakness, diarrhea and death.
Are the birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park at risk from HPAI?
HPAI is a serious threat to both wild and domestic bird populations with the potential to spread rapidly between flocks. Fortunately, the birds at Sylvan Heights Bird Park have almost no direct exposure to those wild birds that have a high risk of carrying the disease, such as wild waterfowl. Our enclosed aviaries and shelters help to significantly reduce this risk of exposure. Currently, there have been no known cases of HPAI in the flock at Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
Are humans at risk from Avian Influenza?
At this time, avian influenza is considered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a very low risk to humans. Known human cases have been limited to individuals with high levels of exposure to sick animals, including farm workers and veterinarians.
For more information from the CDC, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html
Is HPAI in North Carolina?
HPAI cases have been sporadically detected in North Carolina since January 2022. Both domestic poultry and wild birds have been affected.
Learn more about HPAI in domestic birds (North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services)
Learn more about HPAI in wild birds (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)
What safety measures are currently in place at Sylvan Heights Bird Park?
Currently, all areas of the park are open to visitors, and all birds are on exhibit (except those in winter shelters due to weather).
We ask that any visitors who have had recent contact with wild or domestic birds take extra care to wear clean shoes and clothing that has not been exposed to other birds when visiting the park. We also ask that guests please do not drive farm vehicles to the park.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park can no longer accept sick or injured birds for rehabilitation, as they may be a serious health risk to our flock. Please do not bring any birds to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s bird care team will continue to monitor the health of our flock with support from veterinary experts, and will implement additional safety protocols as needed.