Bhubaneswar, July 30: Following the confirmation of bird flu cases in Odisha’s Khurda district, authorities have issued a precautionary alert in the Chilika region and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Proactive safety protocols have been put in place to prevent any potential outbreak.
Officials at Nandankanan Zoo, led by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Prem Kumar Jha, have taken immediate steps to ensure the health and safety of the animals. All zoo staff have been sensitized to the symptoms of avian influenza, and strict vigilance is being maintained.
A daily monitoring system has been implemented to track the condition and behavior of birds within the zoo. These reports will be reviewed by the zoo’s Director and Deputy Director. Dedicated medical kits have been made available for the veterinary team, while bird keepers have been instructed to use separate gloves and safety gear.
To minimize external exposure, entry into the open bird aviary has been temporarily suspended for visitors. In addition, the sale or supply of poultry products, including chicken and eggs, from outside vendors has been prohibited on zoo premises.
Authorities are also keeping a close watch on poultry farms located within a two-kilometer radius of the zoo. All vehicles entering the zoo are being subjected to disinfectant spray procedures as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, surveillance has been intensified in and around the Chilika region, which hosts a large migratory bird population, to prevent the possible spread of infection.
