Point Defiance Zoo closes puffin habitat, investigates suspected avian disease

The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) temporarily closed the puffin habitat Tuesday while an investigation is underway into suspected avian disease.

PDZA said three tufted puffins have recently died, prompting the closure.

They said preliminary findings indicate the birds may have been infected with avian psittacosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci.

No active human cases of psittacosis associated with the zoo have been identified.

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PDZA is awaiting the results of testing on the birds.

While testing is still pending, the zoo has implemented precautionary measures to protect animals, staff, and guests’ health.

All remaining puffins in the colony are being treated with antibiotics, and animal care staff are using enhanced personal protective equipment.

The zoo plans to thoroughly clean and decontaminate the aviary before it is reopened to the public.

The habitat will be closed until zoo veterinarians and public health partners determine it is appropriate to safely reopen.

The zoo said the risk to zoo guests is believed to be low, but guests who visited the outdoor puffin habitat within the past several weeks should monitor themselves for symptoms.

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Symptoms in people typically develop five to 14 days after exposure.

Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, general fatigue, dry cough, and shortness of breath or pneumonia.

PDZA said anyone who develops these symptoms after visiting the puffin habitat should contact their health care provider.

The source of the suspected infection has not yet been determined.