Nine birds have died at the National Zoological Park in Delhi and some dead ducks have tested positive for bird flu.
As a result, the zoo has been shut temporarily and necessary surveillance and steps will be carried out to control spread of the virus.
Around five days ago, the death of a few ducks and pelicans came to light. Following this, authorities shut the zoo as a precautionary measure, The Indian Express. reported
Delhi Development and General Administration Minister Gopal Rai said zoo officials informed him about the birds being infected by bird flu. He added:
The flu has been diagnosed as H5 avian influenza. The zoo has been closed for now and we are taking all necessary measures.
The samples from ducks were taken and sent to a laboratory for testing in Jalandhar, which ascertained the cause of death to be bird flu. The Indian Express quoted a source as saying samples from the dead pelicans have also been sent for testing but the results are yet to come in.
The samples have also been sent to another lab for a second opinion.
Ducks and pelicans are kept in separate ponds at the zoo. Before the deaths, there were nearly 40 pelicans and 20 ducks there. It’s reportedly the first time in 10 years that the virus has hit the zoo.
(Source: ANI, The Indian Express)
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