Delhi zoo may reopen after nod from authorities

Delhi zoo may reopen after negative avian flu tests; closure began August 30 due to outbreak. Awaiting final permission from authorities.

New Delhi

A zoo worker sprays disinfectant after the outbreak. (HT)

The Delhi zoo may reopen two months on since an avian influenza outbreak on its premises forced a closure on August 30, zoo officials said on Thursday.

“Fourth fortnightly surveillance samples were taken on October 30 from National Zoological Park (NZP) and sent to National Institute for high Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal. As per report from the NIHSAD, samples were found negative for avian influenza virus. Permission to open the zoo for the public has been sought from the ministry and will be opened for visitors on getting permission from the competent authority,” zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said.

The zoo had closed after samples from two dead painted storks in the water bird aviary that were sent for screening to NIHSAD on August 27 tested positive.

However, no positive sample has been reported since September 2 onwards.

The zoo, on October 12 had announced that despite no bird testing positive for bird flu in the past month, it would still collect more samples.