New Delhi, Sep 1 (PTI): The National Zoological Park in New Delhi has intensified surveillance and bio-security measures following the death of 12 birds due to an avian influenza infection, an official announced on Monday.
Teams are conducting surveillance of the zoo premises twice a day, while additional staff are involved in cleaning and disinfecting enclosures, water ponds, and the foraging grounds frequented by migratory birds.
Animal health and behavior are meticulously monitored by caretakers and via CCTV cameras. Staff members have been equipped with gloves, masks, protective suits, and shoe covers to ensure safety.
In response to the outbreak, three painted storks and one black-necked ibis have been isolated for treatment and are under close observation.
On Sunday, six painted storks and two black-necked ibises succumbed to the illness within the water bird aviary, with an additional four migratory painted storks perishing in ponds.
Testing confirmed that samples taken from two painted storks and two ibises were positive for the H5N1 virus, officials stated.
A zoo statement disclosed that the two black-necked ibises died last Thursday, with their samples dispatched to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. The test results affirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus.
Upon receiving confirmation that the painted storks were also infected with bird flu on Friday, zoo authorities made the decision to temporarily close the zoo to visitors.
Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar released a statement on Friday detailing a rigorous plan developed to prevent further transmission of the flu to other animals and birds, and to ensure the safety of zoo staff. The measures align with the "Guidelines for Zoological Parks of the Action Plan for Preparedness, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised 2021)" provided by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
"We are implementing all necessary precautionary steps, with vigilant monitoring of all animals, especially mammals such as lions and tigers, which are particularly at risk during such outbreaks.
"Following protocol, we will maintain vigilant monitoring and conduct regular random testing of birds over the next 21 days, conditional on no additional deaths occurring. If the sequence of deaths halts, tests will be performed every 15 days across three rounds to ensure the zoo is completely free of the virus. However, should further fatalities occur, the timeline will reset, and appropriate actions will be undertaken," the official explained.
At present, the zoo is closed to the public until notification of reopening is issued.
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