Bird flu continues to affect animal species everywhere, including a Chilean flamingo and a harbor seal at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Both animals died of the avian flu last week, and many staffers and volunteers were devastated to have lost them.

Seven Delmarva-region commercial operations have now reported cases of the highly contagious virus.

If a case of bird flu is reported within 50 miles of a D-FW zoo, Burgdorf-Moisuk and Rainwater said, zookeeping staff will move certain birds that can be housed indoors as well as close down exhibits and aviaries that may be at risk.

While bird flu concerns are increasing across the country, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has been protecting its flock from the virus for years. The zoo has a program that monitors wild birds at the zoo and discourages them from sharing space with its bird collection.