NEW DELHI: With the death of a brown fish owl — a captive bird testing positive for H5N8 strain of the avian influenza virus —Delhi zoo on Saturday reported its first case of bird flu. Sanitisation efforts have been intensified, with an increase in spraying of lime solutions, virkon-S and sodium hypochlorite across the premises.
Delhi zoo houses both captive and free ranging birds, including local migratory waterfowls and waders on its premises. A zoo official said, in addition to precautionary measures, a serological survey had been carried out on January 11, where faecal droppings of free ranging birds and water samples from ponds were collected from different parts of the zoo.
“Subsequently, National Zoological Park (NZP) witnessed the death of brown fish owl in its captivity and, therefore, its cloacal, tracheal and ocular swabs was sent to the animal husbandry department for serological examination, which has been found positive for H5N8 Avian Influenza virus under ‘real time RT-PCR’ test done by ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal on January 15,” said the zoo on Saturday.
It added that, according to the guidelines issued by Central Zoo Authority, Union environment ministry and the animal husbandry department, surveillance drills and sanitisation measures had been intensified.
“Birds in captivity have been isolated and are under consistent monitoring and care for their behaviour and health. Chicken feed to raptors and entry of vehicles inside the zoo had already been stopped, which is being further reinforced and intensified. Movement of staff and workers is also being restricted and regulated,” said the zoo.