Delhi Zoo shut for visitors after two painted storks test positive for H5N1 bird flu

The Delhi Zoo will remain closed to visitors from Saturday after two painted storks were found infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus, officials confirmed.

In a statement on Friday, zoo authorities said that “to prevent the disease from spreading to other birds, animals, or zoo staff, strict safety and monitoring measures have been put in place.”

Samples from the dead storks had been sent to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal on August 27, and results received on August 28 confirmed the presence of H5N1.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Avian influenza A(H5N1) is a subtype of the influenza virus that mainly affects birds but can, in rare cases, infect mammals including humans. The goose/Guangdong lineage of H5N1 first emerged in 1996 and has since led to repeated outbreaks among bird populations.

Zoo officials said immediate containment measures were carried out in line with the Centre’s 2021 “Action Plan for Preparedness, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza” to stop the spread of the virus to other animals, birds, and staff.

They added that intensive monitoring and strict biosecurity protocols have been put in place within the premises. “The closure of the zoo is a precautionary step to safeguard public health and will remain in place until further notice,” the statement read.

[With PTI inputs]