Here's how Alberta zoos are protecting birds from avian flu

The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Alberta birds means zoos need to take precautions to protect their birds from the virus.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says there have been three outbreaks of avian flu at commercial poultry operations in Alberta as of May 24.

"So far, HPAI detections during 2026 spring migration have been relatively comparable with previous years," the CFIA said in a statement.

"However, the continued detections of HPAI in both wild and domestic birds in Canada is a strong reminder for anyone raising birds to remain vigilant of HPAI and ensure they have effective biosecurity measures in place."

Outbreaks in Alberta have been detected east of Edmonton and near Ribstone Creek in east-central Alberta on May 11, and northeast of Drumheller on May 16.

The detection of avian flu within 200 kilometres of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is cause for concern, the organization said Friday in a social media post.

The zoo is "proactively implementing" certain measures to keep its birds safe from the virus, including having guests use foot baths at the entrances of the Penguin Plunge and Rainforest Aviary.

The zoo has closed walk-in access to the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary, which houses free-flying owls, until further notice.

"The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority," the zoo said.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo says it is keeping tabs on the situation east of Edmonton, where an avian flu outbreak was reported on May 11.

"We are aware of the infected commercial flock in Strathcona County and are monitoring the situation," the zoo said in a statement.

"During times of increased risk, we take several precautions to protect the zoo’s bird population. Our birds are either transferred indoors, moved from public display, or moved to habitats with outdoor space protected by mesh to keep out wild birds that could spread the virus."

WATCH | Bird flu cases found around Edmonton last fall:

Officials have confirmed cases of avian influenza at a commercial poultry facility in Strathcona County, and another facility in Leduc is under investigation. It's the latest set of bird flu cases in the province since a recent outbreak at a petting zoo in Calgary. Kathy Magor is a biological sciences professor at the University of Alberta who researches avian influenza.

The Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation wildlife rehabilitation centre in Coaldale, where injured wild birds brought in for treatment may end up in close proximity to captive birds on public display, doesn't take any chances when it comes to avian flu.

"We will not accept any birds with symptoms of avian flu into our facilities," said managing director Colin Weir.

"That's just in case it puts the other birds we have in captivity at risk," he said of the deadly virus. "There's nothing that can be done for those creatures."

Weir said the centre gets "a lot of calls about avian flu" in wild birds from October to March, when waterfowl are migrating.

"It's more likely to spread amongst those populations at times when they're getting together in groups and flocks," he said.

"And then it's amplified even more in the wintertime, when there are small open pools of water in frozen lakes" where many birds bathe, drink and defecate in the same spots, he said.

A federal database tracking avian flu detections in wildlife across Canada lists 12 cases in Alberta birds found in 2026 as of May 24, the majority of which are Canada geese.

There have been 76 avian flu detections in wildlife across Canada this year, more than two-thirds of which have been in Ontario.

With last year's avian flu season considered the worst in years, the Alberta government says it is closely monitoring the avian flu situation.

"When cases are detected in Alberta, the CFIA leads the disease response, and we work with them and industry to inform producers and support the response," Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation spokesperson Callum Reid said in a statement.

He said details will not be shared publicly about the three commercial poultry operations in Alberta where avian flu outbreaks have been detected.

WATCH | Infectious disease experts keep close eye on avian flu cases in Calgary:

At least 12 people are being tested for H5N1 avian influenza in the city. The disease was discovered over the weekend at a petting zoo near the northwest community of Rocky Ridge. Experts say the risk to the public is low, but the situation is still being monitoring closely.

The CFIA says there have been 19 avian flu outbreaks confirmed in domestic bird flocks across Canada so far this year, seven of which have been in Alberta's neighbouring province of Saskatchewan.

The Alberta government says people should avoid handling live or dead wild birds, and that anyone who comes across dead waterfowl or raptors should call 310-0000 to report it.

Some birds like songbirds and woodpeckers are not likely to be affected by avian flu, while some mammals like skunks, seals and cattle are.