Bird Flu Outbreak: Chennai's Arignar Anna Zoological Park Shuts Public Entry for Two Days

Key facts

• H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed among aquatic birds at Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, near Chennai, by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
• The zoo suspended public entry for two days (Thursday and Friday) as a preventive measure, applying to the entire park, not just bird enclosures.
• Authorities intensified biosecurity measures and began cleaning and disinfecting bird housing areas to contain the infection.
• Spread across about 1,260 acres, the Vandalur zoo houses thousands of animals and birds from more than 150 species and attracts several lakh visitors annually.