Bird flu scare at Patna Zoo prompting temporary closure

Pashu Sandesh, 26th December 2018

Suspicious death of six Peacocks at the Sanjay Gandhi Zoo at Patna Bihar prompted the authorities to shut down the Zoo till further order. Samples from the deceased birds were sent to Labs at Kolkata and Bhopal have been tested positive for H5N1 Avian flu. People with plans to visit the Zoo on the Christmas holiday met with huge disappointment following the closure of the Zoo at such a short notice. 

As per the statement of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Bihar D K Shukla, the peacocks might have contracted the virus from outside birds. Birds from outside tend to fly inside the sprawling campus. “Although not fatal, the virus spreads rapidly and the decision to temporarily shut down the zoo was taken to minimise the possibility of catching the infection. The zoo is being thoroughly sanitised and experts would examine the campus after five days. Only after it is certified that it was safe for people, would the zoo be again thrown open for visitors,” said the Chief Conservator.

Recently though the Bird flu cases have been reported from other places in Bihar namely Munger where the culling of the Birds have been ordered by the District Administration. Jharkhand is also on alert following the reports of Bird flu from neighbouring State.