Bhubaneswar, 29 July (H.S.): In the wake of a confirmed bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) outbreak in Mundaamba village of Khordha district, authorities at Nandankanan Zoological Park have placed the facility under high alert and implemented a series of precautionary measures to safeguard its avian population.

According to official sources, the zoo has restricted public access to its open aviary and issued directives prohibiting the entry of external vendors supplying chicken, eggs, or related poultry products, as part of its emergency response protocol.

All vehicles entering the zoo are now required to pass through disinfection pools, and staff working with birds have been equipped with protective gear, including gloves and safety kits. Zoo officials are also submitting daily health reports on bird behaviour and well-being, which are being reviewed by the Director and Deputy Director of the park.

We have taken multiple precautionary steps to prevent any possible contamination of bird flu inside the zoo. Each bird enclosure is being disinfected regularly, and steps are in place to prevent intrusion or droppings from wild birds, said Rudra Prasad Rath, Assistant Conservator of Forests at Nandankanan.

Special attention is being paid to bird enclosures within a two-kilometre radius of nearby poultry farms, with intensified monitoring for any signs of infection. A dedicated veterinary surveillance unit has been activated to monitor symptoms and coordinate with the state’s rapid response teams for immediate intervention if required.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda