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Waukesha Aviary Closes Due to Bird Flu Outbreak

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. esha-aviary-closes-due-to-bird-flu-outbreak.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 6:23 GMT by fox6now
      Locale: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

WAUKESHA, WI - February 19, 2026 - The Waukesha Public Aviary announced today a temporary closure in response to the escalating national crisis of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu. The decision, made public Wednesday, reflects growing concerns over the highly contagious disease and a proactive effort to safeguard both the resident bird population and the wider community.

This closure isn't an isolated incident. Across the United States, bird flu is causing widespread devastation among wild bird populations and significant economic hardship for poultry farmers. The Waukesha aviary's response is part of a larger, nationwide effort to contain the outbreak and minimize its impact. While the Waukesha facility is small, its closure highlights the vulnerability of even well-maintained sanctuaries when facing such a virulent disease.

"Our top priority is, and always will be, the health and safety of our birds and the community we serve," stated a press release from the aviary. "This temporary closure allows us to implement and rigorously maintain enhanced biosecurity protocols, significantly minimizing any potential risk of exposure and spread."

The strain currently circulating is particularly aggressive, exhibiting high mortality rates in susceptible species. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments - including surfaces, equipment, and even clothing. This makes aviaries, zoos, and poultry farms particularly vulnerable.

The Waukesha Public Aviary currently houses a diverse collection of approximately 70 birds, representing over 30 different species, many of which are non-releasable due to injury or prior captivity. These birds serve not only as attractions but also as educational ambassadors, helping to raise awareness about avian conservation. The loss of even a small number of birds within the aviary's collection would be a significant blow, both emotionally and in terms of its educational mission.

The duration of the closure remains indefinite, contingent on the evolving situation with avian influenza within the state and nationally. The aviary staff will be closely monitoring reports from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine when it is safe to reopen.

Beyond simply closing the doors to the public, the aviary is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its biosecurity measures. This includes rigorous disinfection of all enclosures and surfaces, implementation of strict staff hygiene protocols, and potentially limiting access to certain areas even for caretakers. The aviary is also exploring the possibility of temporary netting or enclosures to further isolate birds and prevent contact with wild migratory species, which are known vectors for the disease.

The financial implications of this closure are substantial. While the aviary receives some funding through local grants and memberships, a significant portion of its operating budget relies on visitor admission fees and gift shop sales. The prolonged closure will inevitably strain its resources, impacting its ability to provide essential care for the birds and maintain the enhanced biosecurity measures.

To mitigate these financial challenges, the Waukesha Public Aviary is actively seeking donations from the community. Funds raised will directly support operational costs during the closure, as well as the implementation of the new, more stringent biosecurity protocols. Interested individuals can contribute through the aviary's website: [ https://www.waukeshapublicaviary.org/ ]. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in ensuring the continued wellbeing of the birds and the future of this valuable community asset.

The situation underscores the importance of public vigilance. Individuals are urged to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to the DATCP. Bird owners are also advised to practice strict biosecurity measures, including limiting contact with wild birds and regularly disinfecting bird feeders and waterers. The collective efforts of both institutions and individuals are crucial in curbing the spread of avian influenza and protecting our nation's bird populations.