Chennai's Arignar Anna Zoological Park, popularly known as Vandalur Zoo, will remain closed to visitors on October 22 and 23 after the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was detected in water birds at the facility.The two-day closure is a precautionary measure to allow intensive sanitisation, strengthen disease-control measures and closely monitor the situation. An official sanitises the premises of a zoo after bird flu was confirmed.
The infection was confirmed on October 21, 2026, by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal after laboratory testing of samples, zoo authorities said.The zoo has implemented preventive measures, including disinfection and stricter biosecurity protocols, in line with government guidelines. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the zoo director said no further bird deaths or illnesses had been reported since October 9.The temporary closure is intended to facilitate sanitisation and monitoring, news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
According to sources cited by PTI, seven water birds died in the zoo's Vedanthangal birds enclosure, its largest enclosure, between October 3 and October 9. Painted storks stand inside their enclosure.
The birds included four painted storks, one grey pelican, one grey heron and one oriental darter.The affected area was cordoned off after the first bird died, and the zoo strengthened biosecurity measures to protect the remaining animals and staff.WHAT IS H5N1 FLU?H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A virus that primarily affects birds and can cause severe illness and high mortality among susceptible species.Infected birds can shed the virus through respiratory secretions and droppings, allowing it to spread through direct contact or contaminated water, food and surfaces.VIDEO | Chennai: TN Minister Arunraj says, "One case of avian flu was identified at Vandalur Zoo. So, as a precautionary measure, we have closed the zoo to the public, and now we are going to test all the handlers and officials working there for avian flu.
Based on the test results, we will contemplate future measures. Hopefully, those who were working there, especially those who handled or came in contact with this particular incident, will be tested." (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 22, 2026Wild water birds can play a role in the natural spread of avian influenza viruses.
Some infected birds may show few obvious symptoms, making surveillance and testing important when unusual deaths occur.Human infections with H5N1 are uncommon but can occur, particularly following close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers the risk to the public low, although people who work closely with infected animals may face greater exposure.WHY IS CONTAINMENT PARAMOUNT?Disinfection, restricting access to affected areas and monitoring animals for further symptoms are important steps in containing an outbreak.Safely handling infected or dead birds also helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Birds are seen at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, Chennai.
Although the situation at Vandalur Zoo has remained stable since October 9, the temporary closure will allow authorities to continue sanitisation and surveillance.The measures aim to prevent further transmission and protect the zoo's remaining birds, other animals, staff and visitors.- Ends