Uttar Pradesh has temporarily closed all its zoos and safari parks for a week following the death of a tigress, Shakti, from avian influenza at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park. The shutdown, effective until 20th May, is part of a precautionary response to prevent the spread of the virus.
Etawah Lion Safari Park Director Anil Kumar Patel confirmed the development, stating, “After a tigress at Gorakhpur zoo died of Avian influenza, all zoos and safaris in the state have been temporarily closed for a week till 20th May.”
He added that necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the health of animals and staff. “Health monitoring of zookeepers is being done. We are taking all precautions. There are no symptoms of bird flu in any animal in our park,” Patel said.
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Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Saxena also highlighted the swift response, noting, “The moment the Bird Flu case was confirmed, zoos in the state were closed for a week as a measure of precaution. Sanitation work is being done in all zoos to prevent the spread of the virus. After a week, checks will be conducted again, and further decisions will be taken.”
The decision to close the zoos and safari parks comes in the wake of a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, where the state’s preparedness for dealing with the H5 avian influenza virus was reviewed. The meeting emphasised the need for stringent biosecurity measures to protect both animals and humans from the potentially fatal disease.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, including poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys. The H5 subtype, specifically H5N1, is one of the most well-known and dangerous strains, with the potential to cause severe respiratory illness in birds and, in rare cases, humans.
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