Arignar Anna Zoological Park, which is also known as Vandalur Zoo, is to be closed on Oct 22 and 23 to visitors after H5N1 bird flu, also known as avian influenza, was confirmed in water birds at the facility.
The infection was confirmed on Wednesday evening by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. Zoo authorities have said they took the temporary closure as a precautionary measure to carry out intensive sanitisation, strengthen biosecurity arrangements and monitor the health of the remaining birds.
Seven Water Birds Die at Vandalur Zoo
According to officials, seven water birds died at the zoo between October 3 and October 9. The birds were kept in the Vedanthangal enclosure, one of the zoo’s key water bird habitats.
The birds that died included four painted storks, one grey pelican, one grey heron and one darter. Samples from the dead birds were sent to the laboratory for testing that confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza.
Zoo authorities said no further bird deaths or signs of illness were reported since October 9. The situation had been stable in the days before the test results were received.
However, once the infection was confirmed, the administration decided to close down the zoo temporarily and go for a preventive program.
Sanitisation and Biosecurity Measures Intensified
The zoo administration had tried to minimize the risk of the virus spreading to other birds and in other areas in the zoo.
The bird enclosures have been disinfected and cleaned and biosecurity procedures intensified. It has also been taken to limit visitors to the affected enclosure.
As part of the initial response, the water in the affected enclosure was disinfected, cleaned and replaced with fresh water. Bird enclosures were disinfected with disinfectant solutions and preventive measures were taken for the water birds.
The temporary closure on October 22 and 23 will allow officials to continue sanitisation and containment work and continue to monitor the health of the birds.
The zoo administration is asking for public cooperation during this time. There are official announcements for the visitors to read before going to the zoo for the next time.
Why is H5N1 Bird Flu a Concern?
Avian influenza is a viral infection that mainly affects birds. H5N1 is one of the strains that is associated with outbreaks among wild and captive birds.
The virus is transmitted between birds through contact with infected animals and contaminated materials such as water, surfaces and equipment. Thus hygiene, restricted movement and close monitoring are required if an infection is detected in a zoo.
Human infections with avian influenza are rare but some strains can be transmitted to humans after close or unprotected contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. People should avoid handling sick or dead birds and report such findings to the relevant authorities.
The detection at Vandalur Zoo has led to the attention of management to the remaining bird population and to prevent further spread within the facility.
Zoo to Reopen After Precautionary Measures
The closure on October 22 and 23 is to allow the zoo administration time to continue cleaning, upgrade safety and assess the situation after lab confirmation.
The lack of bird deaths or disease since October 9 is a good indication, according to zoo authorities. But it is going to be a lot of monitoring and any additional measures that will be needed under official guidelines are very important.
As long as the administration is able to determine and follow animal-health protocols for the zoo, it will be reopened. Travelers should be notified of changes if confirmed in advance.
Vandalur Zoo is a major wildlife attraction in the Chennai region drawing families, students and wildlife enthusiasts. The temporary closure is aimed at safeguarding the animals, staff and visitors while the authorities carry out the necessary preventive measures.
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