GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — You'll no longer get to see the flamingos and beautiful peacocks at the Greensboro Science Center.
Dr. Taylor Gregory with the science center said at least temporarily while there's an active outbreak of avian flu in Guilford County.
"We identified the birds most at risk for avian flu so our chickens our peacocks," Gregory said.
The CDC reported an outbreak of the virus about two weeks ago so the science center is bringing its birds indoors. The virus is spread through wild birds like geese and ducks.
A flock of about 80 non-poultry birds in the county contracted the disease.
That means birds that are not domestic, so exotic species that are kept at places like Zoos.
Gregory said the virus can be deadly for their birds so they're also stopping certain tours.
"We have our indoor penguins that are protected from natural birds but we're stopping visitors from going back for the behind-the-scenes tours so that way people aren't bringing the disease into those areas," she added.
The FDA said it's very rare for birds to pass the disease to humans.
According to the CDC, just two people in the U.S. have tested positive for it.
Those cases were not in North Carolina and were instances where people were working closely with sick cattle and chickens.
Experts said the chance of infected poultry or eggs entering the food chain is extremely low because of safeguards In place.
"But at the same time people take precautions," Gregory said. "If you see a sick or injured bird don't go up to it. The best thing to do is call a wildlife official."
Gregory said humans can spread the flu to other birds in ways we may not know.
"This disease for birds is spread poop to the mouth so if a person steps in bird poop off grounds and brings that on grounds and that's transferred into a bird exhibit there is potential," Gregory said.
Gregory said they'll do the best they can to protect the exotic beauties they house and ask visitors to be understanding.
The Science Center said as birds migrate the bird flu will continue to come in and out of our North Carolina.
As for the birds at the Science Center, they'll keep them indoors for at least the next 28 days.