KENT – Despite taking precautionary measures, Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center, has been challenged by the global spread of Avian Influenza also known as Bird Flu.
Staff had hoped the school’s 300-plus animals would remain safe, however last January some two-dozen waterfowl succumbed to the virus on the school’s campus.
Michael Kaufmann, vice president of Green Chimneys’ Nature-Based Programs, said as a residential center and school, the safety of children and staff was of paramount importance. “One health; a healthy environment, healthy animals and healthy people.”
On Thursday Green Chimneys students and staff were joined by guests for a ribbon cutting of a new waterfowl pond in an enclosed aviary preventing access by wild birds preventing the spread of the deadly virus.
Kaufmann taught a brief lesson to those on hand.
“Avian Influenza is carried by migrating birds in the spring and fall and when they land in places containing domestic fowl, the disease can be transmitted. When several of our birds began to die, something had to be done. Green Chimneys birds were quarantined. Some died while others survived. A decision was made to prevent this from occurring in the future and the aviary pond was constructed for this year’s fall migration,” he said.
Kaufmann added the new facility would help staff “maintain continuity of service in the school’s animal assisted programs while serving as a rehabilitation center for area wildlife.”
Kristin Dionne, CEO at Green Chimneys, commended the Putnam Health Department for assisting her school during the crisis.
Kathy Percacciolo, supervising Putnam public health nurse, returned the compliment thanking Green Chimneys for being proactive and working with health department personnel on a daily basis.
Kaufmann said the project costs $75,000. “Anyone desiring to support the health and welfare of our birds may log onto: greenchimneys.org/birds25
He also praised the State departments of Health, Agriculture and Markets, and Environmental Conservation for “helping us to navigate this serious issue.”