Bird flu scare in UP: Zoos across state, Lion Safari in Etawah shut a week after tigress' death

All zoos in Uttar Pradesh and the Lion Safari in the states Etawah district have been closed to visitors for a week after bird flu was detected in a tigress that died at a zoo in Gorakhpur officials said on WednesdayWhile authorities have directed enhanced surveillance across zoos and poultry farms a team formed by the Central Zoo Authority will investigate the impact of avian influenza at the Gorakhpur zoo and submit its report in 15 days they saidThe zoo shutdown effective from May 14 to 20 was ordered in line with directives issued during a highlevel meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on TuesdayPrincipal Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife Anuradha Vemuri said that in light of the confirmed presence of bird flu case at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park the Wildlife Department has swiftly closed all zoos in Lucknow Gorakhpur Kanpur and the Lion Safari in Etawah to touristsHealth safety measures for wild animals are being rigorously followed to contain the spread of the disease the official saidThe Central Zoo Authority has formed a fivemember team of veterinary doctors and pathologists to investigate the impact of avian influenza at the Gorakhpur zoo Vemuri saidThe team includes representatives from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Wildlife Health Management Department Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun ICAR Bareilly and Bhopal and pathologistsOnce the investigation is complete a report will be submitted within 15 days and based on the findings the future course of action for the zoos and safari parks in the state will be determined she saidUttar Pradesh bird flu scare All zoo premises should be regularly sanitised animals must have frequent health checks says CMVemuri said A special monitoring system and stringent health safety protocols are being rigorously enforced across all zoos in the state including those in Lucknow Kanpur Gorakhpur and the Etawah Safari ParkAll Divisional Forest Officers DFOs have been directed to conduct regular health checkups for animals and to immediately report any signs of irregularities Moreover wild animals are now being fed only after routine health assessments to ensure their wellbeing she saidAt a meeting on Tuesday Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had given a slew of directions to officials asking them to act promptly as per the guidelines of the central and state governmentsHe instructed that all zoo premises should be regularly sanitised animals must have frequent health checks and food and water sources for animals should be thoroughly testedThe forest and health departments remain on high alert with zoo and safari staff instructed to use protective gear including masks gloves and PPE kits while on dutyAll animals across the facilities are being monitored closely for symptoms and enhanced sanitation and infection control protocols have been put in placeUttar Pradesh bird flu scare No bird flu case in Lucknow yet zoos closed as a preventive measureForest Minister Saxena confirmed that bird flu was detected in the tigress that died in GorakhpurLab reports have confirmed bird flu in the tigress As a result surveillance has been intensified not just in zoos but also in poultry farms across the state Staff have been directed to follow strict biosecurity measures Saxena saidMeanwhile Lucknow Zoo Director Aditi Singh said that while no case of bird flu has been reported at the capitals zoo the facility has been closed as a preventive measureAll animals are under close observation A decision on reopening will be taken after reviewing the situation at the end of the week she saidBird flu or avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but in rare instances can spread to mammals and even humans if the virus mutates It is generally transmitted through contact with infected birds or contaminated surfacesWhile human infections are uncommon they can be serious Health officials have advised citizens to report any dead or sick birds to authorities and maintain hygiene while handling pet or domestic birdsThe state government has appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours and rely only on verified informationThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoeveratOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params