Chennai, Oct 24:
Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur will reopen to visitors on Sunday after a temporary closure following the detection of bird flu among birds at the zoo. The closure was intended to facilitate sanitisation and strengthen preventive measures to contain the spread of the infection.
The H5N1 avian influenza infection was confirmed after samples from dead waterbirds were tested. Seven birds, including painted storks, a grey pelican, a grey heron and an oriental darter, reportedly died between October 3 and 9 in the zoo’s Vedanthangal enclosure.
Zoo authorities have undertaken disinfection and sanitation work in the affected areas and intensified biosecurity measures. The enclosure was cordoned off, while preventive steps were taken to protect the remaining birds and prevent further spread of the infection.
With the necessary precautionary measures in place, the zoo is scheduled to resume normal visitor operations on Sunday.