Nepal’s Central Zoo in the Kathmandu Valley has shut down indefinitely after detecting bird flu in over a dozen birds and animals. The closure aims to safeguard the public and visitors from avian influenza infections within the zoo. The National Trust for Nature Conservation manages the Central Zoo, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
The zoo authorities announced the closure to ensure public health and safety following the bird flu discovery. The shutdown involves disinfection measures and is expected to last at least a week, with a possibility of extension based on risk assessment. Ganesh Koirala, an information officer at the Central Zoo, confirmed the closure for bird flu control purposes.
Several animals, predominantly birds, and a few mammals like leopard cats, jungle cats, and civets, have tested positive for the virus. Unlike poultry farms, the zoo authorities do not plan to cull the infected birds. The outbreak in the Kathmandu Valley originated in the Morang district of Koshi Province and has affected numerous poultry farms, resulting in the destruction of a significant number of birds and eggs.
The Department of Livestock Services reported that the outbreak is contained in Koshi Province but continues to spread in the Kathmandu Valley. The situation underscores the importance of enhancing biosecurity, surveillance, and response measures to control the transmission dynamics.
