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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos extend closure amid bird flu concerns
LUCKNOW/KANPUR/GORAKHPUR Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos extended their closure until June 10 and June 4, respectively, amid bird flu concerns while the Lucknow facility will take a call on Wednesday. Lucknow zoo authorities said there was neither any instance of bird flu nor any animal fell ill on the campus. 'The decision to open the zoo for public will be taken on Wednesday,' said Aditi Sharma, director, Lucknow zoo. Enclosures at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur had been covered with nets to protect animals from wild birds, suspected to be carriers of the bird flu virus. Gorakhpur zoo Director Vikas Yadav informed that samples from the infected animals were sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly. The zoo's closure began on May 13, which was extended following confirmation of H5 avian influenza virus in tigress 'Shakti' that died on May 7. So far, four animals had succumbed to bird flu - a lion on April 30, leopard Mona on May 8, tigress Shakti on May 7, and a wolf. Yadav stated that the condition of another infected tigress 'Mailani', aged 14, was currently stable. Though she had lost appetite and her eyesight weakened, her condition was under control. Four other infected animals were also reportedly showing signs of improvement. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath took feedback on the situation during a review meeting held at the Gorakhnath temple. Officials briefed him on the recent deaths of big cats at the zoo and measures being taken to control the spread of infection. Forest minister Arun K Saxena said, 'We are keeping a close watch on the situation at all three zoos and reports of animal samples and their health are being analysed by experts.' Kanpur zoo director Shraddha Yadav confirmed on Tuesday that lion 'Shankar' and lioness 'Uma' had shown significant reduction in appetite over the past few days. Their health was under close observation and fresh samples were collected for laboratory test. Two other lions, 'Nandini' and 'Asam' had also been tested as a precaution. The zoo had already sent 35 samples of animals — including those of birds and big cats — to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal. However, delays at the Bhopal facility, where a backlog of cases persists, mean that most reports were still pending. Only two samples had so far tested positive for avian influenza — one from a lion and another from a peacock. The situation began escalating on May 10, when a peacock in the zoo was found ill and later died during treatment. The post-mortem analysis revealed that the bird had contracted avian influenza. Days later, 'Pataudi', an Asiatic lion, transferred from Gorakhpur Zoo, fell ill and subsequently died. Zoo authorities acknowledged that the protocol may not have been strictly followed during the transfer process. 'At that time, no one was aware of the bird flu transmission,' Yadav said. To mitigate further risk, several animals had been relocated to other enclosures within the premises. The zoo director reiterated that reopening will only be considered after all pending reports were receieved and confirm absence of infection.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Bird flu scare: All UP zoos, lion safari shut for visitors till May 27
LUCKNOW/GORAKHPUR/KANPUR All zoos in Uttar Pradesh, along with the Etawah Lion Safari, will remain closed for visitors till May 27 as a precautionary measure to ensure that all protocols for H5 avian influenza are followed for the safety of birds and animals, said forest minister Arun K Saxena on Tuesday. Gorakhpur, Lucknow and Kanpur zoos were already shut till May 20 in wake of bird flu deaths but the closure has now been extended. 'The closure of zoos is precautionary, and to ensure all protocols for H5 avian influenza are followed for safety of birds and animals,' said Saxena. The closure of the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur may be extended further said officials. A public notice regarding the indefinite closure has been posted at the zoo entrance. So far, deaths of Tiger 'Keshri', aged over seven years, on March 30, followed by that of a leopard on April 7, Tigress 'Shakti' on May 8, Lion 'Pataudi' on May 15, and a peacock have been confirmed due to bird flu in Gorakhpur and Kanpur zoos. A team formed by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is on an inspection at Gorakhpur zoo, where the first death was reported. The team includes officials from the animal husbandry department, Bhopal-based National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) and officials from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly. On the second day of their investigation, the panel collected random samples from key animals, including a Barbary Lion and two other big cats. Besides, more than 50 environmental samples were collected, including bird droppings, surface swabs, and drinking water sources. Gorakhpur zoo director Vikas Yadav stated that the extended closure is a precautionary measure to prevent any potential outbreak. Meanwhile concerns rose following the discovery of dead crows within the zoo premises. As of Monday evening, the total number of crow deaths on-site rose to nine. Veterinary staff sent the latest samples to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, for further analysis. Meanwhile, Covid protocols have been implemented in one-kilometre radius around the Kanpur zoo in wake of the avian influenza scare. The action follows the deaths of a lion and a peacock within the past week, prompting concern among local authorities and residents. Additional CMO Dr Rajeshwar Tiwari said Covid protocols have been enforced as avian influenza can be transmitted to humans. 'People must wash their hands regularly, wear face masks, and maintain physical distance,' he said, adding a medical team will monitor the area, examine residents, collect samples where required, and provide medicines as needed. A significant population resides around the zoo. One of the housing projects developed by the Kanpur Development Authority is situated adjacent the zoo's hospital and incineration zone. Many residents living close to the facility have expressed concern and kept their windows shut as a safety measure. Central Zoo Authority (CZA) officials are expected to carry out an inspection of the zoo on Wednesday and likely to recommend additional steps to prevent spread of infection. According to regional forest officer Naved Ikram, no animal deaths were reported on Tuesday. He noted that blood and swab samples from 11 animals have been sent to a laboratory in Bhopal, and the results are expected by Wednesday morning. Samples from zoo staff and water collected from various parts of the zoo have also been submitted for testing. 'At present, the situation appears to be under control,' Ikram said. Two tigresses, Aadya and Pushpa, reportedly consumed only half their usual meal on Tuesday, and their condition is being watched closely by veterinary staff.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Second feline death due to bird flu in Uttar Pradesh confirmed
The lion Pataudi, which died at the Kanpur zoo on May 15, was infected with avian influenza, officials said on Friday. This was the second feline death due to H5N1 in the state since May 7, when the tigress Shakti died at the Gorakhpur zoo. A peacock was found dead on the safari route inside Kanpur zoo on Friday, said forest ranger Naved Imran. Its carcass was incinerated after taking samples that will be tested for the bird flu infection. Following confirmation of the second feline death due to bird flu, tiger sanctuaries too have alerted their staff to watch out for any unusual behaviour among the wild animals or deaths in the tiger reserves . 'We have alerted our staff to remain alert though the chance of infection in a tiger reserve is negligible as animals here stay away from humans and domestic animals,' said H Rajamohan, director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Meanwhile, speaking about the death of Pataudi, Kanpur zoo director Sharadha Yadav said on Friday: 'The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, has confirmed that the lion was infected with the H5 strain of avian influenza.' Pataudi was shifted from Gorakhpur zoo to the Kanpur zoo for treatment on May 11 after the death of Shakti. Pataudi's samples were collected on May 5. All zoos in Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Kanpur) and the Etawah lion safari are closed till May 20 as a precaution against bird flu. Yadav stated that the IVRI Bareilly report confirmed the infection. 'The H5 strain of avian influenza has been identified in the report,' she said. 'Samples collected after Pataudi's death have also been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, for further confirmation,' Yadav said. Pataudi's samples had initially been sent to IVRI Bareilly by the Gorakhpur zoo authorities after Shakti's death. The report, which arrived on Thursday, confirmed the experts' fears. The lion had stopped eating and was only consuming water in the days leading up to his death, though veterinarians were administering fluids intravenously. Pataudi was brought from Junagadh (Gujarat) to Etawah Lion Safari in 2019. The lion was later transferred to the Gorakhpur zoo in 2021 along with the lioness Mariyam. Pataudi was already under the care of the IVRI team at Gorakhpur Zoo after he lost his appetite and became inactive. Mariyam died in April 2024, and a change in Pataudi's behaviour had been observed since her death, according to officials. Precautionary measures are being taken in all affected zoos to contain the spread of the virus. Yadav said, 'Pataudi's carcass was incinerated in accordance with established protocols.' A team of experts is strictly monitoring the animals, and sanitization efforts are underway across all enclosures. Zoo staff have been instructed to wear masks at all times. 'We are taking all necessary steps to keep the animals safe,' Yadav added. 'We are also following a diet protocol designed to boost their immunity.' The zoo staff who looked after Pataudi have also been screened for infection.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Amid bird flu concerns, another big cat dies in U.P.
An Asiatic Lion Pataudi died in quarantine at the Kanpur zoo on Thursday after exhibiting signs suggestive of avian influenza. The lion had been brought to the Kanpur zoo from the Gorakhpur zoo on May 11. The death comes eight days after a tigress died at the Gorakhpur zoo. Her samples had tested positive for bird flu. In addition, the death of multiple crows at the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur has caused serious concern among forest officials. Dr Nasir (uses one name), the Kanpur zoo veterinary doctor, said, 'The lion, Pataudi, died at 8.30 am on Thursday. His body was incinerated after obtaining the samples, which have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NISHAD), Bhopal.' 'The report is expected,' he added. Kanpur zoo officials said Pataudi had consumed a kilogram of chicken on his arrival (at the Kanpur zoo) but had refused all food since Tuesday. He died following a period of declining health, zoo officials confirmed on Thursday. The sample of the tigress Shakti, who died in Gorakhpur on May 7, said she had bird flu. Thereafter, all zoos and the Etawah lion safari were closed in the state. Shakti's sample was tested at IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), Bareilly and National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal. The lion had stopped eating for past two days and only drank water. He was receiving intensive veterinary treatment, including intravenous medication. 'Pataudi was brought from Junagarh (Gujarat) to the Etawah lion safari in 2019 and then from the lion safari to Gorakhpur zoo in 2021 with the lioness Mariyam. Aged 16 years, Pataudi was under treatment of an IVRI team at Gorakhpur zoo as he had lost appetite and became inactive. Mariyam died in April 2024. Since then, a behavourial change was witnessed in Pataudi,' district forest officer Vikas Yadav said. Pataudi's samples were sent to Bhopal and the test results are expected later. 'We spotted two crow carcasses in Gorakhpur zoo premises yesterday (Wednesday),' said Anuradha Vemuri, principal chief conservator of forest wildlife, Uttar Pradesh (PCCF-W, UP). Kanpur zoo ranger Naved Ikram said the behaviour and health of all other wild animals were being closely monitored and that no symptoms had been observed. Authorities have issued strict directives prohibiting entry into animal enclosures without personal protective equipment (PPE). Authorities at the Gorakhpur zoo have sent 35 samples, including those of birds and animals, to NIHSAD for tests. Gorakhpur zoo deputy director Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh reported the discovery of yet another dead crow on Thursday, along with two more carcasses found earlier—one near a mound and another near the deer enclosure. Alarmed by these repeated findings, the wildlife department has collected samples from 35 animals, including lions, deer, bears, and various birds such as spotted doves, great egrets, and bluethroats. While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, two more carcasses were discovered during a cleanup drive. Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh said that strict precautions are being implemented. 'We are conducting regular monitoring of all enclosures, and disinfection efforts have been significantly increased,' he stated. Chief veterinary officer, Gorakhpur, Dr Bhupendra Pratap Singh added that samples have also been collected from poultry sources—179 in total—and sent for testing. Results are expected within 10 days. He emphasised that poultry operators have been instructed to report any unusual signs immediately. Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, eight quick response teams (QRT) have been constituted, one each at all eight tehsil headquarters. Each team is headed by two veterinary doctors, besides trained staff of the animal husbandry department. Chief veterinary officer (CVO), Prayagraj, Dr Shivnath Yadav said the district has 108 poultry farms whose updated list is present with the department. The random sample of birds of these poultry farms comprising throat swab, blood and stool samples are being sent to IVRI, Bareilly as a precautionary measure. 'Once a sample tests positive, the result is forwarded to the state as well as central agencies monitoring the avian flu spread. A control room with the helpline number 8181813444 has also been set up for people running these poultry farms,' he added. According to Dr Shivnath Yadav, the zoonotic virus was detected in Karelabagh locality of Prayagraj on the banks of the Yamuna after several dozen crows had died in a span of five to six days in guava orchards.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
CZA sets up 5-member team to probe bird flu scare at Gorakhpur zoo
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has formed a five-member team to investigate the death of a tigress, whose post-mortem confirmed bird flu (H5N1), and study the impact of avian influenza at the Gorakhpur zoo. The tigress, Shakti, died at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur on May 7. Lab reports from IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute), Bareilly and National Institute of High Security Animal Disease, Bhopal, on May 12 confirmed a bird flu (H5) strain in the sample. Thereafter, all zoos across Uttar Pradesh and the Etawah lion safari were closed for seven days till May 20. Teams from Lucknow and elsewhere have already visited the Gorakhpur zoo. The CZA has formed a 5-member team of veterinary doctors and pathologists, confirmed Anuradha Vemuri, principal chief conservator of forest, wildlife, Uttar Pradesh (PCCF-W, UP). The team has representatives from the ministry of animal husbandry and dairy, wildlife health management department, Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), ICAR Bareilly and Bhopal. The report will be submitted within 15 days. Based on the findings, the future course of action for the zoos and safari parks in the state will be determined,' Vemuri said. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a review meeting on Tuesday and issued directives to ensure the safety of all animals in the state's zoos and safari parks. Vemuri stated, 'A special monitoring system and stringent health safety protocols are being rigorously enforced across all zoos in the state, including those in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and the Etawah Safari Park. All divisional forest officers (DFOs) have been directed to conduct regular health checkups for animals and to immediately report any signs of irregularities. Moreover, wild animals are now being fed only after routine health assessments to ensure their well-being.' The tigress, Shakti, was brought to Gorakhpur after being rescued from Mailani in Lakhimpur Kheri in May 2024. She was over two years' old. Meanwhile, precautions have been implemented at the zoos and safari. After closure of zoos in Uttar Pradesh, the food supplier has been asked to provide a list of sources of feed for animals. Strict monitoring of all animals across zoos in the state began on Wednesday. 'Notice has been issued to the agency supplying food (for animals),' deputy director, Gorakhpur Zoo, Dr Yogesh Partap Singh said. 'The agency that supplies meat and other items to the zoo has been directed to provide complete list of sources of their ingredient and material in 48-hours. This firm supplies mutton, chicken and fruits too,' he added. Dr Ashok Pandey, virologist at the regional medical research centre in Gorakhpur, said samples of 105 zoo staff have tested negative for the (bird flu) infection. Gorakhpur zoo director Dr Vikas Yadav said the authorities are on alert. He added that poultry farms and chicken outlets have been directed to sanitise enclosures. Kits to check birds flu will be made available, he said. The Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden, Lucknow, has not reported any bird flu case till now. Nevertheless, deep cleaning and sanitisation of premises is being carried out. Inmates will be kept under observation by the veterinarians and zookeepers. None of the animals at Lucknow Zoo are given a poultry diet, officials said. High-level monitoring has been ensured at Kanpur Zoological Park. The tiger, Pataudi, who was shifted out of Gorakhpur zoo due to health reasons, is under observation. 'The tiger, Pataudi, is eating food and is normal in behaviour. His samples have been taken and a report will guide us further,' a zoo official said. With inputs from Gorakhpur and Kanpur
