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Point Defiance Zoo puffins died from rare Chlamydia abortus, tests reveal
komonews.com • • health
Key Points:
- Three tufted puffins at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium died earlier this summer due to infection with a rare avian Chlamydia abortus strain, not avian psittacosis as initially thought.
- No additional infected birds have been identified, and environmental testing in the puffin habitat found no presence of the bacteria, with the zoo closely monitoring the puffin colony.
- Officials are investigating the source of the infection, with wild bird exposure suspected, and plan expanded environmental testing in Point Defiance Park and the zoo in September.
- The risk to the public remains low, with no human cases linked to this situation, though avian Chlamydia abortus can infect humans through contact with bird secretions or droppings.
- Multiple agencies are collaborating on the investigation, and the zoo will conduct further testing of healthy birds and the environment before reopening the puffin habitat to the public.
