Louisville Zoo closes some areas after wild goose tests positive for bird flu

The Louisville Zoo is closing some areas after tests for avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, came back positive in a wild goose, prompting the zoo to take additional precautions, according to WLKY. The actions are intended to reduce the risk of exposure to birds and visitors while the zoo increases monitoring and disinfection routines.

In an effort to limit contact and potential spread, the zoo said it is closing certain exhibits as part of its response. The zoo’s update emphasizes that the closures are precautionary, with the goal of protecting the animals and maintaining appropriate biosecurity practices during a period when avian influenza concerns can affect bird populations.

Zoo staff said they are implementing extra steps that align with standard responses to suspected or confirmed avian influenza in nearby wildlife. Those measures include heightened cleaning and observation around areas where zoo visitors and animals may have contact, the zoo said. The specific locations impacted by the closures were not detailed in WLKY’s report beyond the statement that “some areas” and exhibits are being closed.

The incident follows the discovery of a positive test result in a wild goose, bringing the issue into the zoo’s immediate public-safety planning. Public health and agriculture experts generally stress that avian influenza risk is managed through early detection, restricting unnecessary movement, and maintaining strict sanitation, especially where birds are housed in close quarters.

For families planning visits, the change means some parts of the zoo may be unavailable while precautions remain in place. The zoo indicated it would continue to assess conditions as information becomes available and would provide updates if additional closures or reopening decisions are required.

No court proceedings or law-enforcement actions were described in the WLKY report. The main immediate effect for the public is reduced access to portions of the zoo during the bird flu precaution period and increased behind-the-scenes animal health monitoring by zoo staff.