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already lost valuable birds to the virus, anxiety grew at zoological institu-
tions about how to protect the birds in their collections. Diagnostic testing
for WNV in zoos was hindered by testing limitations in exotic species and
the financial burden of having samples analyzed. Zoo veterinarians needed
access to affordable, reliable diagnostic testing in order to assess and protect
the health of animals in their collection, animals that often represent endan-
gered or threatened species.
At the same time, public health officials were recognizing the potential
value of zoos as sentinels for monitoring the spread of zoonotic infectious
diseases. Reliable data gathered from this system could be a useful addition
to national WNV surveillance. A further benefit would be the strengthen-
ing of the relationship between public and animal health agencies. A 2000
report to Congress from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the
West Nile virus outbreak emphasized “the value of communication between
public and animal health communities, the latter including those dealing
with domestic animals, wildlife, and other animals such as zoo animals.”
The report went further to state that one of the five lessons learned from the
outbreak so far was that “links between public and animal health agencies
are becoming more important” (GAO 2000).
5.3.2 Creation of the System
In June 2001, LPZ in conjunction with the CDC hosted the National Zoological
West Nile Virus Surveillance Working Group to discuss the design and
implementation of a nation-wide surveillance system for WNV in zoological
institutions. The meeting brought together zoo professionals with human
and veterinary public health experts from local, state, and federal agencies.
The result of the workshop was a set of guidelines entitled Surveillance
for West Nile Virus in Zoological Institutions and the implementation of
a 1-year pilot study. The system was endorsed by the CDC, the AZA, and
the AAZV.
The pilot began in 2001 with six AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
with outdoor exhibits. However, as WNV continued to move west across
the United States, zoos and other wildlife-related organizations became
increasingly concerned about the safety of their animals. By 2003, the sur-
veillance system had expanded to 130 participants. At its conclusion in
2006, nearly 180 zoological institutions, wildlife sanctuaries, private veteri-
narians, and animal rehabilitation centers had submitted samples as part
of the system.
5.3.3 Structure and implementation of the System
The WNV surveillance system for zoological institutions was a voluntary
program that offered free WNV diagnostic testing for participants. It was ini-
tially offered only to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. As concern over
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