Chennai's Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur will stay closed to visitors on Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, after H5N1 avian influenza — bird flu — was confirmed among its waterbirds, zoo authorities said.

Source: Latestly

The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed the virus in samples from birds that died in the zoo's Vedanthangal enclosure between October 3 and 9. Seven waterbirds died in that period — four painted storks, a grey pelican, a grey heron and a darter — according to reports quoting zoo director Ritto Cyriac.

Source: Mirror Now

Cyriac said no further bird deaths have been reported since October 9, suggesting the outbreak has so far been contained within the affected enclosure. Disinfection began immediately after the deaths were reported, and the two-day closure is meant to allow intensive sanitisation and stronger biosecurity checks across the park.

Zoo officials said the remaining waterbirds were given prophylactic treatment through their feed for seven days, enclosure water was disinfected, cleaned and replaced, and the affected area was cordoned off from visitors. Spread over about 1,260 acres, Vandalur is one of India's largest zoos and houses thousands of animals and birds of more than 150 species.

Source: Nation Press

Authorities have not reported any infection in visitors or staff. The closure applies to the whole park, not only the bird enclosures, and visitors have been asked to cooperate while sanitisation and monitoring continue.