The Dallas Zoo announced Monday it is closing two of its bird exhibits as a precautionary measure against a potential avian flu outbreak.
The zoo’s Forest Aviary and Travis and Zach’s Birds Landing will be temporarily closed to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. The zoo’s flamingos will remain in their habitat with additional safety measures in place.
The zoo did not specify when the exhibits will reopen. The Dallas Morning News has reached out to the zoo for more information.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds. The virus occurs naturally in wild birds around the world, and can be spread through direct bird-to-bird contact, contaminated surfaces and people’s clothing, shoes and hands.
Infected birds may experience a lack of energy, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing and misshapen eggs. HPAI can cause sudden death in domestic poultry, such as chickens, and can decimate flocks in a matter of days, according to the USDA.
There have been over 70 confirmed cases of HPAI in Texas in 2026, according to data from the USDA that was last updated Oct. 16.
No human infections with the current strain have been reported in the United States.
A team of veterinarians and zoologists at the Dallas Zoo will be closely monitoring HPAI to protect its bird population. “We are taking every precaution to keep our birds safe and healthy,” the zoo said in the announcement.
Niamh Ordner is a science reporting fellow at The Dallas Morning News. Her fellowship is supported by the University of Texas at Dallas. The News makes all editorial decisions.