Key Highlights

• Virus confirmed: H5N1 avian influenza was found in aquatic birds at Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.
• Lab report: Confirmation came from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
• Zoo closed: Public entry is suspended for the entire park on Thursday and Friday.
• Containment on: Bird areas are being cleaned and disinfected, with tighter biosecurity.
• Details awaited: The number of infected birds and any deaths have not been disclosed.

Visitors planning a trip to Chennai’s Vandalur zoo will have to wait. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has suspended public entry for two days after H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was confirmed among its aquatic birds.

The zoo will remain closed to visitors on Thursday and Friday while authorities carry out containment measures. The closure applies to the entire park, not just the bird enclosures.

How the Infection Was Confirmed

The presence of the virus was confirmed in a report from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The findings showed that aquatic birds housed at the zoo had contracted H5N1.

What the Zoo Is Doing

Following the confirmation, the zoo administration began cleaning and disinfecting bird housing areas. Biosecurity measures have also been tightened across the park to stop the infection from spreading to other birds and animals.

What We Still Don’t Know

The zoo has not shared how many birds tested positive, whether any have died, or how the infection was first detected. More clarity is expected as the administration completes its assessment.

About Vandalur Zoo

Spread across about 1,260 acres on Chennai’s outskirts, Vandalur is one of the largest zoos in India. It houses thousands of animals and birds from more than 150 species, including crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, lions and tigers. Its lion and tiger safaris in protected vehicles are especially popular, drawing several lakh visitors every year.

Is There a Risk to People?

Bird flu mainly spreads among birds. Human infections are rare and usually occur after close, direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surroundings. Health experts generally advise:

• Avoid touching sick or dead birds.
• Report unusual bird deaths to local authorities.
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating.
• Wash hands well after handling raw poultry.

Why It Matters

Zoos bring together many species in one place, which makes quick action essential when a disease is detected. Migratory and wild birds, especially around water bodies, can carry the virus, and aquatic birds are often among the first to be affected. Early closure and disinfection help protect both the zoo’s animal collection and the public.

The Bigger Picture

Vandalur has faced health scares before, including when some of its lions were infected with COVID-19 in 2021. Each such episode highlights the importance of strong disease monitoring in zoos.

What Comes Next

The zoo is expected to reopen after the two-day closure, depending on how containment work progresses. Visitors are advised to check official updates before planning a visit.

With inputs from IANS.

Key Highlights

• Virus confirmed: H5N1 avian influenza was found in aquatic birds at Chennai’s Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.
• Lab report: Confirmation came from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
• Zoo closed: Public entry is suspended for the entire park on Thursday and Friday.
• Containment on: Bird areas are being cleaned and disinfected, with tighter biosecurity.
• Details awaited: The number of infected birds and any deaths have not been disclosed.

Visitors planning a trip to Chennai’s Vandalur zoo will have to wait. The Arignar Anna Zoological Park has suspended public entry for two days after H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was confirmed among its aquatic birds.

The zoo will remain closed to visitors on Thursday and Friday while authorities carry out containment measures. The closure applies to the entire park, not just the bird enclosures.

How the Infection Was Confirmed

The presence of the virus was confirmed in a report from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The findings showed that aquatic birds housed at the zoo had contracted H5N1.

What the Zoo Is Doing

Following the confirmation, the zoo administration began cleaning and disinfecting bird housing areas. Biosecurity measures have also been tightened across the park to stop the infection from spreading to other birds and animals.

What We Still Don’t Know

The zoo has not shared how many birds tested positive, whether any have died, or how the infection was first detected. More clarity is expected as the administration completes its assessment.

About Vandalur Zoo

Spread across about 1,260 acres on Chennai’s outskirts, Vandalur is one of the largest zoos in India. It houses thousands of animals and birds from more than 150 species, including crocodiles, snakes, tortoises, lions and tigers. Its lion and tiger safaris in protected vehicles are especially popular, drawing several lakh visitors every year.

Is There a Risk to People?

Bird flu mainly spreads among birds. Human infections are rare and usually occur after close, direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surroundings. Health experts generally advise:

• Avoid touching sick or dead birds.
• Report unusual bird deaths to local authorities.
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly before eating.
• Wash hands well after handling raw poultry.

Why It Matters

Zoos bring together many species in one place, which makes quick action essential when a disease is detected. Migratory and wild birds, especially around water bodies, can carry the virus, and aquatic birds are often among the first to be affected. Early closure and disinfection help protect both the zoo’s animal collection and the public.

The Bigger Picture

Vandalur has faced health scares before, including when some of its lions were infected with COVID-19 in 2021. Each such episode highlights the importance of strong disease monitoring in zoos.

What Comes Next

The zoo is expected to reopen after the two-day closure, depending on how containment work progresses. Visitors are advised to check official updates before planning a visit.

With inputs from IANS.