No new avian influenza deaths reported at zoo

The National Zoological Park reported no new deaths in its water bird aviary or migratory bird pond following an H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. So far, 12 birds, including painted storks and black-necked ibises, have died since August 30 at the zoo.

“Intensive sanitation and biosecurity measures are being adopted to ensure the safety of birds, animals as well as staff of the zoo,” zoo director Sanjeet Singh said on Tuesday.

Surveillance teams monitor the premises twice daily, disinfecting enclosures, ponds and foraging areas, zoo officials said.

They said animal health and behaviour were tracked via keepers and CCTVs. Frontline staff handling the aviary, disinfection and carcass disposal were screened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Zoo officials provided training on personal hygiene and preventive measures to minimise transmission risks,

Singh said.

The National Zoological Park follows the 2021 guidelines for zoological parks by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, with ongoing random testing of birds for 21 days. The zoo remains closed until deemed safe.

The H5N1 outbreak was confirmed on August 28 after samples of storks tested positive at the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal.