Delhi's National Zoological Park is expected to decide on its reopening after October 30th, as there is currently no active presence of the Avian Influenza virus. This information was shared in a statement by the park's director on Saturday.
Taking cognisance of the potential threat of H5 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, directed the departments concerned to take swift and coordinated action, said the statement.
Speaking to ANI, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vikas Yadav said that the zoo had sent 34 samples for testing 10 days ago, out of which five were confirmed positive for H5N1. Fresh samples will be sent again for further testing.
Uttar Pradesh Forest Minister Arun Saxena on Wednesday said that no new cases of bird flu have been reported so far, following its detection in a few zoos and safari parks across the state.
As per an official statement, the zoo has taken scientific biosafety measures and carried out disinfection, and started serosurveillance to map the animal's antibody levels against infectious disease.
All zoos and safari parks in Uttar Pradesh have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure after a tigress named 'Shakti' died of Avian influenza at the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur.
The Uttar Pradesh government ordered the closure of Etawah Lion Safari and zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur for seven days after bird flu was confirmed in a dead tigress at Gorakhpur's Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park.
H5 Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
Existing antivirals may be less effective against this H5N1 bird flu strain, and prevention measures, such as avoiding raw milk consumption and reducing exposure in dairy workers, may be the most effective way to protect against the virus.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Saturday announced that the Maharashtra government will provide free cancer vaccines to girls aged 0-14, highlighting growing concerns over rising cancer cases across the state.
The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified efforts to curb the spread of bird flu, with strict containment measures in place across three affected districts. Over one lakh hens have been culled so far, while officials have designated red and surveillance zones to prevent further transmiss