New Delhi: In the wake of the outbreak of bird flu or avian influenza in the National Zoological Park, Delhi, a wildlife expert on Tuesday stressed the importance of sensitizing everyone to deal with such outbreaks.
The expert stressed that birds living in crowded environments are also likely to be infected with bird flu, such as poultry birds or birds living in zoos. He emphasized on hygiene.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, which mainly affects birds, and there are sporadic cases of its infection in mammals as well. Since its initial identification in India in the year 2006, there have been annual reports of its outbreak in various states. The virus has demonstrated the ability to spread across different species, affecting not only poultry but also wild birds.
The latest report is from the National Zoological Park, Delhi, which has been closed from August 29 till further notice. The zoo has been closed as a precautionary measure after a confirmed case of avian influenza (H5N1) was found in birds. According to officials, steps are being taken to control the virus and ensure safety at the National Zoological Park. Government’s approach to deal with avian influenza: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has issued a circular to all zoos regarding preparations to prevent the entry of avian influenza. It has advised zoos to follow the National Action Plan on “Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza”.
The CZA has advised the states to consult the Wildlife Centre, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly for technical advice on wildlife management, disease control and diagnosis.
The Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department has also issued an advisory to the state to isolate animals showing any clinical symptoms, close the establishment to the public, quarantine animal keepers and strengthen biosecurity measures, including restriction on movement of zoo staff and use of personal protective equipment.
States have also been asked to monitor tigers, leopards and other wild animals and birds present in zoos and report any unusual mortality.
According to government data, bird flu outbreaks in domestic poultry have been reported in 10 states, namely Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, during the year 2025 (till July 24). The number of outbreaks during the said period was 41.
Expert Opinion: Speaking to ETV Bharat, wildlife expert Dr Jalpan Rupapara said, “Birds living in crowded environments are just as likely to get infected with bird flu as poultry birds or birds living in zoos. In many zoos, captive birds come in contact with wild birds. Because many zoos have trees and natural environment, they get the infection from outside.”
“Wild birds do not live in flocks, while in poultry farms they live in a highly crowded environment. Therefore, outbreaks usually occur in poultry farms,” he said.
The wildlife expert stressed that the measures to prevent the spread of bird flu in poultry farms and zoos may be different.
“In a zoo, the first measure is to prevent the spread of bird flu among healthy birds. Suppose some birds in the zoo are infected, the infected birds should be identified immediately. They should be immediately isolated from other healthy birds,” said Dr Rupapara.
The wildlife expert stressed that despite several measures, it is not possible to control bird flu.
“With stringent measures, we can reduce its chances. The spread of the virus is through saliva. Proper cleaning and hygiene measures can help prevent its spread from bird to bird and bird to human. All stakeholders should be properly made aware about the issue,” he said.
How can it affect humans? The wildlife expert said, “A bird can usually get infected from another infected bird, while the chances of humans getting infected are very low. Because it is primarily a bird virus. The human immune system and the immune system of birds are different. So, overall the chances of humans getting infected are low. However, there are many cases in which humans get infected with bird flu. And whenever humans get infected, it can be a mild disease and it can also be a severe disease leading to death.
Dr. Rupapara said that the chances of human-to-human infection are low. “The chances of it spreading to humans are almost impossible. However, there may be some cases.”
