Several animals have died of bird flu at a Phoenix-area zoo, Arizona public health officials have revealed – emphasizing there was virtually no risk to the public. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health said last week it was responding, along with state and federal agencies, to avian influenza infections “in a small number of animals” at the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium in Litchfield Park, about 20 miles west of Phoenix. The animals were tested, the affected ones were quarantined, and the zoo bolstered its biosecurity measures, the MCDPH said. Volunteers and zoo staff who had been exposed to the animals were being monitored for symptoms but had not tested positive, Wildlife World Zoo spokeswoman Jolene Westerling told USA Today. “Overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low,” the MCDPH said in a statement. “People who have job-related exposures to infected animals, especially close prolonged exposure, are at higher risk of infection,” MCDPH assistant medical director Dr. Nick Staab said in the statement. “Public health’s recommendations are intended to reduce the risk to those who have had direct contact with infected animals and to prevent further exposure.” A cheetah, a mountain lion and three large birds — a swamp hen, a kookaburra and an Indian goose — all died, Westerling told USA Today. A white tiger that had tested positive was responding to treatment and would most likely recover fully, she said. “While we are deeply saddened to report the loss of a few cherished animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response, robust biosecurity protocols, and the invaluable support of Maricopa County Department of Public Health and state and federal agencies,” said Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo, in the Maricopa County statement. “Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors.” With News Wire Services