NAN-F-16
Flu
New Delhi, Oct. 19, 2016 (dpa/NAN) The zoo in Delhi has been temporarily shut after death of some birds by cause believed to be avian influenza, officials said on Wednesday.
“Nine pelicans, storks and ducks were found dead at the zoo late last week.
“Samples sent to regional forensic laboratories confirmed that at least two of them died from avian influenza,’’ zoo spokesman, Riaz Khan, said.
Zoo Director, Amitabh Agnihotri, said that the facility had been shut amid efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
“Only masked staff members were being allowed in as the complex has been quarantined.
“Zoo staff members are also being vaccinated and the zoo has been closed for the next four days as a precautionary measure.
“These are not caged birds and our staff do not come in direct contact with them; the risk of infections is low,” he said.
India declared itself free from the highly contagious avian influenza or bird flu, in September.
The last outbreak of the disease was reported from a privately-owned poultry farm in the southern state of Karnataka in May.
Bird flu affects mainly poultry and wild birds, but can infect humans who have close contact with sick fowl. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/OPI
Edited by Damilola Oyewole and Olisa Ifeajika