Vandalur Zoo closed for two days after Avian Influenza confirmed in water birds
Vandalur Zoo will be closed for two days, October 22 and 23, after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases confirmed H5N1 Avian Influenza in water birds. Seven birds, including painted storks and pelicans, died between October 3 and 7, prompting immediate disinfection and biosecurity measures.
Why it matters
The closure highlights a significant public health and animal welfare concern, demonstrating the rapid response required to contain potential outbreaks of infectious diseases like avian influenza in public facilities and prevent wider spread.
Vandalur Zoo closed for two days after Avian Influenza confirmed in water birds left Immediate preventive measures, including disinfection, sanitisation, and strict implementation of biosecurity protocols, were undertaken following the confirmation. File photo File photo https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/7wrf4a/article71608386.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/THMKK_14-4-2014_14-28-3_PAINTEDSTORKS1.JPG KARUNAKARAN M CHENNAI, 13/04/2014: We are inside a cool zone. A group of painted storks cooling inside their enclosure, filled with water at Vandalur Zoo on Sunday. Photo: M_Karunakaran The zoo will remain closed on October 22 and 23; Forest Department officials say seven water birds in the zoo had died between October 3 and 7 CHENNAI Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur will not be allowing visitors on October 22 and 23 as a precautionary measure following confirmation of H5N1 Avian Influenza infection in water birds by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, on October 2, 2026.
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