Zoo closes amid bird flu scare

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, October 19

More than a month after India declared itself free from avian influenza or bird flu, at least eight water birds which died over the last few days at the National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo) have been diagnosed with bird flu ((H5N1) following which the zoo has been closed down temporarily. 

Delhi Development and General Administration Minister Gopal Rai confirmed that samples of eight birds-which died on October 14 and 15, including ducks and rosy pelicans-have tested positive for avian influenza even as he maintained that all those diagnosed with bird flu virus were migratory. 

"We were told about water birds dying in the zoo. Samples of birds were sent to Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (North Zone) Jalandhar and then to National Institute of High Security Animals Diseases (Bhopal) where avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed. Another bird died on October 17 and one more today. Samples have been sent for testing," said Rai while briefing reporters after a visit to monitor the situation at the zoo along with senior government officials and National Zoological Park Director Amitabh Agnihotri. 

"As migratory birds have been found to be affected by the avian virus, it was decided to temporarily close down the zoo. A ten-member team is reviewing the condition at the zoo and after further assessment, a call on its opening for public will be taken," Rai underlined. 

In this regard, Rai following high-level meetings of the city government's Animal Husbandry Department over the last two days directed officials to carry out strict surveillance of Ghazipur poultry market and other suspected places where such birds are seen. 

The minister said in Delhi migratory birds visit about a dozen places and teams have been sent to assess the situation.