The Sigean African Reserve reopens to visitors on Monday in Aude. The animal park had closed its doors on November 6, after the discovery of a dead pelican, affected by avian flu. On November 14 and 15, two other dead birds, also affected by the virus, were found. No other case having been observed since, the site will therefore be able to welcome visitors again, Monday, from 9 a.m.
Let visitors be reassured, bird flu does not represent a danger for them. There is a very, very small chance that a human will be infected with avian flu, and the cases that have been recorded around the world are the result of long and close contact with infected birds. “There is therefore no risk of visitors visiting the African Reserve of Sigean”, we confide, to the veterinary service of the prefecture. On the other hand, the disease is particularly formidable for certain species of birds. Precautions have therefore been taken at the Sigean African Reserve, in conjunction with the Aude prefecture, to protect the hundreds of birds that live in the park.
Ostriches and emu will be away from the public
Thus, the entire site will reopen on Monday, except “the Great Aviary and the path bordering the pond of the park on foot”, which will remain temporarily closed to onlookers, indicates the Sigean African Reserve, at 20 minutes. In addition, two species, “the ostriches, as well as the emus, will temporarily remain away from the public”. If these measures have been put in place, it is because the bird flu virus “can be carried by the soles of shoes [des visiteurs] or the wheels of vehicles, ”continues the animal park. However, these precautions will be lifted “as soon as the situation allows”.
In addition, part of the departments of Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales remains under increased surveillance. The populations of captive and wild birds will be scrutinized in the coming days in around forty municipalities. And poultry keepers, professionals and individuals, are invited to remain vigilant, and to continue to apply the measures in force, in particular the confinement of their animals.