The Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, on Chennai's outskirts, has suspended public entry for two days — Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 — after H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed among its water birds, the zoo administration said.

Source: Latestly

The infection was confirmed on Wednesday evening by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from samples taken from birds at the zoo. Following the confirmation, authorities began intensive cleaning and disinfection of the bird areas and strengthened biosecurity measures to prevent the infection from spreading.

Source: Mirror Now

According to officials, seven water birds died at the zoo between October 3 and October 9 in the Vedanthangal enclosure. The birds that died included four painted storks, one grey pelican, one grey heron and one darter. Samples from the dead birds were sent for laboratory testing, which confirmed H5N1.

Zoo officials said no further bird deaths or signs of illness have been reported since October 9. Director Ritto Cyriac was quoted as saying disinfection measures were taken immediately after the deaths were reported. Reports said water birds were given preventive treatment and the enclosures were sprayed with antiviral disinfectant, while the affected area was cordoned off.

The two-day closure is intended to allow staff to carry out a final round of intensive sanitisation, strengthen biosecurity and closely monitor the remaining birds. The zoo, spread over about 1,260 acres, is one of Chennai's major visitor attractions and houses thousands of animals and birds of more than 150 species. Visitors have been asked to cooperate with the temporary closure.