Seven waterbirds have died of H5N1 avian influenza at Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park, prompting authorities to close Vandalur Zoo on October 22 and 23 for intensive sanitisation and strengthened biosecurity measures.
The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed the presence of the avian influenza virus in samples from the affected birds on Wednesday, zoo officials said. The deaths occurred in the zoo’s Vedanthangal enclosure between October 3 and October 9, with no further bird deaths reported since October 9.
The dead birds included four painted storks, a pelican grey, a grey heron and a darter. Zoo director Ritto Cyriac told the Times of India that samples were sent for testing after the birds died and that disinfection measures began immediately after the deaths were reported.
“All disinfection measures were taken right after the deaths were reported, and no death has been reported since the last one on Oct 9,” Cyriac said.
Zoo authorities said all waterbirds were given prophylactic oral antibiotics, herbal antiviral medications, immunostimulants and liver supplements through fish for seven days. The waterbird enclosures were sprayed with an antiviral disinfectant solution, while the enclosure water was disinfected, cleaned and replaced with fresh water.
The affected area was also cordoned off with ropes to restrict visitor access. The temporary closure on October 22 and 23 is intended to allow staff to carry out intensive sanitisation, reinforce biosecurity protocols and closely monitor the remaining birds, the zoo said in a release.
The closure will affect public access to one of Chennai’s major zoological attractions during the two-day period. Zoo authorities have asked visitors to cooperate with the temporary measure while sanitisation and monitoring work continues.
The response places the zoo’s animal-care operations and visitor management under heightened scrutiny as officials monitor the waterbird enclosures following the laboratory confirmation. Further access arrangements will depend on the sanitisation process and the ongoing assessment of the affected area.
