Bird flu hits Delhi zoo: Visitor entry stopped, containment protocol kicks in

“Samples from two painted storks in the water bird aviary of the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, were sent for screening of avian influenza to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, on August 27. The result was reported positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus for both samples on the evening of August 28 by NIHSAD, Bhopal,” Dr Kumar said in a statement.

On Friday evening, two more painted storks died and their samples were sent to NIHSAD. Earlier this week, two black necked ibis had also died; their report is expected after resampling on Saturday, officials said.

Along with intensive surveillance, strict bio-security measures have been put in place to prevent its spread among other animals, birds, and staff.

“Further, in the interest of public health, safety and to strengthen bio-safety protocol, the zoo will be temporarily closed for visitors from August 30 till further orders,” the statement read.

Officials added that the next 21 days will be critical in containing the spread of the virus.

This marks the third recorded avian influenza outbreak at the Delhi Zoo, with previous incidents reported in 2016 and 2021. Sources said that all captive and migratory birds are being closely monitored, and strict segregation protocol is in place to prevent further deaths.

Two lion cubs and a Royal Bengal tiger cub will also be under special observation, as previous reports indicate that tiger deaths have occurred in large zoos due to avian flu, a senior official noted.

Recently, the zoo had witnessed five Royal Bengal tiger cub deaths out of a litter of six due to infection and weakness.

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has laid out general precautions for visitors as well as zookeeping staff in such situations. Among the specific bio-security measures that need to be taken are testing of captive birds, segregation of birds, and disinfection of premises.

“As soon as the disease is confirmed as H5 or H7 Avian Influenza, control actions to be initiated are the same as for domestic poultry,” the CZA has said.

It added, “However, wild/endangered/ precious captive birds confirmed as non-infected may be exempted from culling. Visitor entry needs to be stopped forthwith.”

In addition to sampling of birds, environmental samples like water, soil, etc, are to be collected and sent for testing, as per the guidelines.

According to CZA, “Sampling has to be repeated every 15 days at least four times; if consecutive two samplings from the last positive result are found negative, then the opening of the zoo for the public may be considered by the competent authority.”

Senior zoo officials have confirmed that regular sampling and negative results will need to be obtained before the zoo reopens.

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