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🇳🇵 Nepal /Health & Science

Central Zoo closes indefinitely after bird flu outbreak

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Central Zoo in Kathmandu has closed indefinitely due to a bird flu outbreak confirmed in several birds and animals.
  • Zoo officials reported that eight to 10 birds and animals have died from the H5N1 virus, which they suspect spread from infected wild crows.
  • Strict biosecurity measures are in place, and the closure aims to protect visitors' health as the virus spreads across Nepal.

The Central Zoo in Kathmandu has shut its doors indefinitely after bird flu was confirmed among its animal population. Officials confirmed the outbreak on Friday, stating that several birds and animals have succumbed to the avian influenza.

We decided to close the zoo after receiving the laboratory report on Thursday evening, confirming the outbreak. We have now put strict biosecurity measures in place.

— Ganesh KoiralaThe zoo's spokesperson on the decision to close the facility.

Zoo chief Satyanarayan Shah explained that samples tested by the Department of Livestock Services returned positive, prompting the immediate closure. "We decided to close the zoo after receiving the laboratory report on Thursday evening, confirming the outbreak. We have now put strict biosecurity measures in place," said spokesperson Ganesh Koirala.

The virus has been detected in various species, including egrets, owls, vultures, civets, and leopard cats, with an estimated eight to 10 animals dead so far. Authorities suspect the infection originated from wild crows, as infected crows were previously found in nearby Kirtipur and Taudaha.

We have now put strict biosecurity measures in place.

— Satyanarayan ShahThe zoo's chief on the measures taken after the bird flu confirmation.

The National Trust for Nature Conservation's Central Zoo issued a public notice stating the closure from June 19 until further notice. This measure is a precaution to safeguard public health, with an apology for any inconvenience caused to visitors.

As bird flu has been detected among wildlife at the National Trust for Nature Conservation’s Central Zoo, the zoo has been closed from June 19 until further notice as a precaution to protect the health of our visitors. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

— Central ZooA public notice from the zoo administration announcing the closure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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