Central Zoo to reopen on Friday as environmental samples test negative for bird flu

The Central Zoo in Nepal is set to welcome visitors again starting Friday, following confirmation that environmental samples collected from its premises have tested negative for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

The zoo had been closed to the public since June 19 after an outbreak of the virus led to the deaths of numerous captive birds, including vultures, owls, and swans, as well as some mammals like a jungle cat and civets. Avian influenza A (H5N1) was confirmed in samples from deceased birds.

Ganesh Koirala, spokesperson for the Central Zoo, stated that all necessary safety measures have been implemented and an expert team has approved the reopening. The zoo administration faced accusations of attempting to conceal the initial outbreak, and a committee is currently preparing a report on the incident.

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We have decided to reopen the zoo to visitors from Friday. Lab tests on environmental samples collected from the zoo premises came back negative.

The closure has had a significant financial impact, with estimated revenue losses around 30 million Nepalese rupees. The zoo, home to approximately 1,300 animals across over 100 species, including endangered ones, typically attracts around 2,000 visitors on weekdays and up to 5,000 on holidays.

Meanwhile, the Department of Livestock Services reported that the spread of bird flu has slowed in the Kathmandu Valley districts and Kavrepalanchok. Over 835,000 poultry have been culled nationwide since mid-March due to outbreaks in 11 districts, with authorities also destroying eggs and feed from infected farms.

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No new outbreak has been reported since Wednesday. This shows that the spread of the virus has slowed.