In response to the detection of avian influenza in a tigress at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the temporary closure of major zoos in the state, including those in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, as well as the Etawah Lion Safari. The shutdown will remain in effect till May 20 as a precautionary measure to contain any potential spread of the virus.
Officials confirmed that the tigress tested positive for a strain of H5 bird flu at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. However, the exact cause of her death is still under investigation. Meanwhile, test results are awaited for two other animals — a wolf and a leopard — that also died recently in the same zoo.
To assess the situation further, a five-member expert team comprising veterinary specialists and pathologists from top institutions such as the Wildlife Institute of India, ICAR centres in Bareilly and Bhopal, and the Ministry of Animal Husbandry has been dispatched. They will conduct a detailed inspection of the Gorakhpur facility and are expected to submit a comprehensive report within 15 days.
Taking serious note of the threat posed by bird flu, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting earlier this week and directed officials to strengthen health surveillance across all zoos, sanctuaries, wetlands, and cow shelters. He emphasised immediate implementation of preventive steps as per central and state guidelines and called for routine monitoring of both animal health and food sources.
All animals in affected facilities are currently under round-the-clock veterinary observation. Regular sanitisation efforts are underway, including disinfection procedures and the use of blow torches where needed. Mandatory health screenings and PPE kits for zoo staff have also been enforced.
Officials are keeping a close watch on poultry farms and regulating the movement of poultry products. The Health Department has been tasked with assessing any risk of human infection and ensuring public safety.
The state’s wildlife officials confirmed that coordination is ongoing with institutions such as the Central Zoo Authority, National Centre for Disease Control, and Indian Veterinary Research Institute to guide the state’s response. Divisional Forest Officers have been instructed to increase vigilance and report any unusual animal behaviour or symptoms immediately.
Authorities reaffirmed that strict biosecurity protocols are now active in all zoos across Uttar Pradesh.
