Delhi Zoo reports no fresh bird deaths amid Avian Influenza

New Delhi: The National Zoological Park (NZP) has reported no fresh cases of bird deaths in the water bird aviary or migratory birds’ pond, following recent concerns over avian influenza.

According to the NZP Director, intensive sanitation and bio-security measures are being strictly enforced to safeguard the health of birds, animals, and zoo staff. The measures include thorough disinfection drives, careful carcass disposal, and enhanced monitoring of enclosures.

Frontline staff working in the bird aviary and handling disinfection processes have been screened by a team from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

In addition, orientation sessions on personal hygiene and preventive protocols have been conducted for beat in-charges and section supervisors to minimize any risk of disease transmission.

Authorities said the zoo remains “fully vigilant” and is adhering to all standard guidelines to contain the spread of the disease at the earliest.

Till Monday, the death toll from bird flu at Delhi’s National Zoological Park rose to 15, with more samples of migratory painted storks testing positive for the H5N1 virus

So far, six painted storks, three black-necked ibis and six migratory painted storks have died in the water bird aviary and the ponds areas. The zoo has remained shut for visitors since Friday, after the bird flu outbreak was confirmed.

“Intensive surveillance and strict biosecurity measures as per guidelines (issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying) are underway to prevent the spread of disease among birds, animals in enclosure and frontline workers,” said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, the director of the zoo.