Bird flu detected again in dead crows, Central Zoo closure extended

Nepal's Central Zoo faces an uncertain reopening after bird flu was again confirmed in dead crows found on its premises. The discovery has dashed hopes of a swift return to normal operations.

The zoo has been shut since June 19 following a significant outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1) that led to the deaths of dozens of captive birds, including vultures, owls, and swans. The virus also affected a jungle cat and civets. Officials are awaiting clearance from the Central Veterinary Laboratory and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division before the zoo can welcome visitors again.

"The latest samples from dead crows have tested positive for the bird flu virus," stated Ganesh Koirala, spokesperson for the Central Zoo. "We cannot reopen the zoo under such circumstances. We don’t keep crows in the zoo, but they fly in and can pass the virus to birds kept inside for display.”

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The latest samples from dead crows have tested positive for the bird flu virus. We cannot reopen the zoo under such circumstances. We don’t keep crows in the zoo, but they fly in and can pass the virus to birds kept inside for display.

This latest detection compounds the zoo's financial woes, with losses estimated at Rs20 million due to the prolonged closure. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing investigation into an outbreak that reportedly saw zoo administration attempting to conceal the incident.

Meanwhile, the bird flu crisis extends beyond the zoo, with 84 poultry farms in the Kathmandu Valley and 22 more in Kavrepalanchok district confirmed to be infected. Nationwide, over 754,000 chickens and ducks have been culled since mid-March, and authorities have destroyed millions of eggs and significant amounts of poultry feed. The Department of Livestock Services reports the highest number of current infections in Kavrepalanchok.

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At present, the highest number of infections is being reported from Kavrepalanchok.