NEWS BRIEF: Outbreak of bird flu kills hundreds of vultures at Georgia sanctuary

Bird flu is being blamed for the deaths of 700 wild black vultures at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, reports say. The avian influenza H5N1 virus was detected in carcasses that were discovered Aug. 13 at the Locust Grove location. It is known to be highly contagious among birds and is likely to put others in the sanctuary at risk. Noah’s Ark houses ostriches, emu, parrots and other feathered creatures, but none of them have so far shown signs of disease.

“Noah’s Ark is and will remain in close collaboration with authorities as they lead the charge to manage this,” a statement said. “As a precaution the affected birds on property have been depopulated. Officials are testing and monitoring other birds within the surveillance area and no other birds have tested positive or experienced any clinical signs.” Details: newsweek.com