Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
What is it and how are we staying ahead of it?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been found in Mississippi. This virus, commonly known as “bird flu,” affects wild birds and can be transmitted to any bird.
Mississippi Aquarium's vet team is closely monitoring the situation and is implementing safety precautions to protect the birds that call Mississippi Aquarium home.
According to the CDC, HPAI infections in U.S. wild birds/poultry pose a low risk to the public. People very rarely get sick with bird flu, but those with work or recreational exposures to infected birds/poultry should take precautions.
As a precautionary measure, visitors to Mississippi Aquarium are asked NOT to enter the Aviary if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Have backyard chickens, other poultry, or waterfowl
- Have recently been bird hunting and are wearing the same shoes/clothes to the Aquarium
- Are currently sick
- Have been in contact with shorebirds, waterfowl, or chickens in any setting
Thank you for helping us keep our birds safe. We will continue to update our website as more information becomes available to prevent the spread of HPAI.