Delhi Zoo declared bird flu-free, reopening likely after October 30

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi, which closed on August 30 due to a bird flu outbreak, may reopen in early November. The decision will be made after October 30, following two more rounds of avian influenza testing.

Delhi zoo director Dr Sanjeet Kumar was quoted by The Indian Express as saying that while no active presence of the virus has been detected, the management will conduct two additional rounds of sampling at an interval of 15 days before taking a final call on reopening.

“As part of ongoing surveillance, two additional rounds of sampling will be conducted at an interval of 15 days to ensure continued safety and disease-free status. Based on the results of these surveillance samples for Avian Influenza (H5N8), a decision will be taken to reopen the Zoo for visitors after October 30,” a statement by the National Zoological Park was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

“However, as a precautionary measure, the zoo management continues to strictly adhere to all prescribed biosecurity and surveillance guidelines issued by the competent authorities,” the statement reads.