Key Points

The Delhi Zoo confirms no new bird deaths have occurred following a positive H5N1 test in painted storks. Intensive sanitation and bio-security protocols are actively underway to protect all animals and staff. Frontline personnel involved in the response have been screened for the virus by health officials. The zoo remains closed to the public as authorities work to contain the outbreak.

Key Points: Delhi Zoo Painted Storks Test Positive for Avian Influenza H5N1

  • No new bird deaths reported in water bird aviary or migratory pond
  • Painted stork samples test positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus
  • Frontline zoo staff screened by National Centre for Disease Control team
  • Zoo remains closed to visitors as intensive sanitation measures continue
2 min read

No fresh bird deaths at Delhi Zoo, vigilance continues after painted storks test positive for avian influenza

Delhi Zoo reports no fresh bird deaths after painted storks test positive for H5N1 avian flu. Intensive sanitation and staff safety measures are in full effect.

"The National Zoological Park continues to remain vigilant and is taking all necessary measures as per standard guidelines to contain the disease at the earliest - NZP Release"

New Delhi, September 2

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi on Tuesday said no fresh bird deaths had been reported in the water bird aviary or the migratory birds pond, even as samples of painted storks from the zoo recently tested positive for avian influenza.

"No new death had been reported in the water birds aviary or the migratory birds pond," the NZP said in a release.

Further, NZP confirmed that intensive sanitation and bio-security measures had been taken to ensure the safety of birds, animals and the zoo staff members.

The NZP further mentioned that the frontline staff who had been handling the bird aviary, disinfection processes and the carcass disposal had been screened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) team.

Orientation on personal hygiene and preventive measures for influenza in order to minimise the risk of transmission had also been given to the beat in-charges and section supervisors.

"The National Zoological Park continues to remain vigilant and is taking all necessary measures as per standard guidelines to contain the disease at the earliest," it added.

Earlier, two painted storks were found infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus, leading to the closure of the zoo for visitors till Saturday.

According to officials, during surveillance of the spread of disease among birds and animals, one carcass of the migratory painted stork was found by the team near the pond, while one painted stork in the water bird aviary had been found sick, which was later shifted to the bird isolation ward for treatment and observation.

The whole carcass of a dead migratory Painted Stork and sets of Swab samples from sick animals had been sent to the lab for screening. The samples of Migratory Painted Storks from the pond area, which were sent on August 30, 2025, were found positive for HSN1 influenza virus by NIHSAD, Bhopal.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is concerning. Bird flu can spread quickly. They should keep the zoo closed longer to be absolutely safe. Better safe than sorry!
A
Arjun K
Appreciate the transparency from Delhi Zoo. Regular updates help citizens stay informed. The screening of staff is a good precautionary measure.
M
Michael C
While the measures sound good, I hope they're also monitoring other wildlife in the area. Migratory birds can spread this to local populations.
S
Shreya B
Poor birds 😢 Hope the isolation ward has good facilities. Delhi Zoo has beautiful painted storks - would be sad to lose them to this virus.
K
Karthik V
The zoo staff deserve appreciation for working in such risky conditions. Hope they have proper protective gear and health monitoring.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50