09-14-1989 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

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_. w F.w _. ';..._. _ .` : '~ _ INTER-c?FFiCE MEMORANDUM September 14, 1989 T0: Joel Albrecht, Director of Comm ity Development FROM: Mark S. Lewis, City Inspect. ~ •' SUBJECT: Additional Emu research I contacted Ms. Carol Nixon, with the Houston Zoo's Discovery (children's) Zoo. ~ Emu's are displayed in the children's zoo area. The birds are displayed in a fenced enclosure .rather than the petting zoo area. Ms. Nixon described the birds as non-aggressive but, easily startled. When startled the birds usually flee but, if unable to escape perceived danger, will defend themselves by means of a powerful kick. She further stated that the birds which are very inquisitive by nature, are attracted to and. will peck at shiny objects as well as moving or flapping items such as loose articles of clothing. ® In Ms. Nixon's opinion, the fencing proposed by Mr. Davis is adequate to contain the birds. She did, however suggest either double fencing or a fence mesh which is small enough to prevent the birds from pecking through the fence. She feels the greatest hazard posed by the birds has to do with their pecking. She cited an instance in which a small child put his face up to the fence of an Emu pen and was pecked in the eye. Ms. Nixon also indicated that as with all other types of livestock, there are•diseases and parasites which may be passed between Emus or humans and other animals. This however, appears to be fairly, rare with the degree of hazard being a good deal less than-is normally associated with other, more conventional forms of poultry and fowl. . For further information, Ms. Nixon referred me to Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Minnaar of Emu World in Brenham and Mr. John Chapman. I spoke to Mr. Minnaar and he basically confirmed all other information staff has received to date. The Minnaar's maintain a flock of approximately 300 Emu's. To date, the most serious health problem they have experienced is Fowl Pox. This is a disease which is primarily transmitted from chickens. It is not transmittable to humans.