Bird flu scare: Death of a tigress lead to closure of zoos in Uttar Pradesh

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The tigress, Shakti, was over two years old and was brought to Gorakhpur after her rescue from Lakhimpur Kheri’s Mailani in May, 2024.
Updated on: 14 May 2025


LUCKNOW: The death of a tigress in Gorakhpur zoo led to the closure of Lucknow, Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos along with Etawah Lion Safari for a week on Tuesday evening following the bird flu scare in the state zoos.

The decision to shut the zoos came after the death of a tigress Shakti at the Gorakhpur zoo as bird flu was confirmed as the cause of the death of feline.

Meanwhile, all the Tiger reserves, including Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri, Amangarh Tiger Reserve in Bijnore, Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot and Suhelva Tiger Reserve in Balrampur, in the state have been directed to be on high alert.
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At the same time, Gorakhpur health officials had collected blood samples from over 100 staff members of the Zoo, especially, those who were in touch with the Tigress Shakti.

“Their reports are expected by Wednesday,” said Dr Yogesh Singh, the veterinary doctor at the Gorakhpur Zoo. He added that the entire zoo premises was sanitized.

Dr Singh maintained that all animals, approximately 300 in number, present in Gorakhpur Zoo, were healthy and showed no signs of infection during their examination conducted on Tuesday.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/14/bird-flu-scare-death-of-a-tigress-lead-to-closure-of-zoos-in-uttar-pradesh

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UP Temporarily Closes All Zoos And Safari Parks After Tigress Dies Of Bird Flu In Lucknow Zoo

Updated: May 14, 2025
In a significant preventive move, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the temporary closure of all zoos and safari parks across the state from May 14, 2025 to May 20, 2025. This urgent decision was taken after a tigress named Shakti died from avian influenza (H5N1) at the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow.
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Further intensifying the situation, a female wolf named Bhairavi also died at the same zoo shortly after Shakti’s passing. The cause of the wolf’s death is still under investigation, with test results pending. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was recently transferred to the Kanpur Zoo, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus there.

Lucknow, UP | This is to notify the general public that the sample of the tigress from Gorakhpur Zoo – Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Garden, that had passed away, was sent to ICAR- NIHSAD (National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases), Bhopal. As per the NIHSAD's…

https://news24online.com/india/up-te...ow-zoo/561711/

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First published on: May 14, 2025
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Strict Safety Measures

In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed authorities to enforce strong precautionary measures. All zoos and safari parks are undergoing disinfection procedures, and the health of all animals is being closely monitored. Staff members working in these facilities are being equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained to follow strict biosecurity protocols. The state is also monitoring poultry farms and has restricted the movement of birds and poultry products in affected zones to prevent cross-species transmission of the virus.

The temporary shutdown of all wildlife parks and zoos is a preventive measure to contain the spread and safeguard both animal and human health. Authorities have advised the public to stay calm, follow updates from health departments, and avoid visiting any closed facilities until further notice.

This development, triggered by an outbreak in one of the state’s most prominent zoos, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of swift action in controlling zoonotic diseases.

https://news24online.com/india/up-te...ow-zoo/561711/

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All zoos in UP shut for a week, surveillance stepped up in poultry farms
Updated: May 15, 2025

Excerpts:

Taking serious note of the potential threat of H5 Avian Influenza (bird flu), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier directed officials to maintain strict vigilance across all zoos in the state.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, Adityanath emphasised that the safety of animals and birds in zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands and cow shelters must be the highest priority. He instructed officials to take all necessary preventive steps, strictly following the guidelines issued by both the central and state governments to prevent the possible spread of the infection.

The team is expected to submit a report within 15 days, based on which further decisions regarding animal care will be taken.
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Several other precautionary measures have been taken after the tigress’s death earlier this month at the Gorakhpur zoo. The test reports of two other animals — a wolf and a leopard — that also died this month are awaited. The animals housed there are ubder continuous surveillance, officials said.
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According to sources, this month, three animals — a leopard, a tiger, and a tigress — died at Gorakhpur zoo. The wolf died on May 4 and the tigress and leopard on May 7 and 8 respectively, said Divisional Forest Officer, Gorakhpur, Vikas Yadav.

The samples of the three animals were sent for testing last month. The report on the tigress was received recently.

“A strain of bird flu was detected, but it is yet to be confirmed whether that was the actual cause of death,” the official added.

Additionally, he directed the Health Department to evaluate the potential impact of H5 Avian Influenza on humans to help prevent any risk of transmission to the public.
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Moreover, wild animals are now being fed only after routine health assessments to ensure their well-being.”

...https://indianexpress.com/article/ci...arms-10006182/

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Google translated
Fear of bird flu has created panic among chicken traders
Thu, 15 May 2025, 11:56:AM

Basti. Bird flu has struck the state. The district administration has become fully alert after the bird flu was confirmed in the Gorakhpur zoo. The related businessmen are also being made aware by going door-to-door. There has been a decline in the poultry business due to the fear of the bird flu in the district. The sale of chicken in the district has fallen by Rs 40 in one day. The price of chicken in the areas around the city on Wednesday was Rs 260 to Rs 280 per kg, now it has come down to Rs 220 per kg.

Along with this, there is a possibility of a fall in the prices of eggs as well, due to which traders are afraid that if the cases of bird flu increase, then the business which has somehow managed to recover after the Corona period will again fall. If the demand for chicken and eggs decreases once again, then this business will have to suffer losses. According to traders, right now only the demand for chicken has decreased and the prices have fallen, but due to the fear of bird flu in the minds of people, the prices of eggs can also fall.

https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/basti/story-bird-flu-outbreak-in-gorakhpur-zoo-sparks-concern-and-price-drop-in-poultry-business-201747290369016.amp.html

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Google Translated
Updated: May 15, 2025 11:17
Bird Flu Alert: Egg and chicken eaters should be cautious, bird flu is spreading rapidly in Delhi and UP

Bird Flu Alert: After Lucknow, Kanpur and Gorakhpur, now advisory has been issued regarding poultry farm in Meerut as well. Let us tell you that these days bird flu is wreaking havoc in UP and its adjoining areas. In such a situation, people who like to eat non-veg should be a little careful for the next few days.
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Important advisory issued in Meerut

Recently, poultry farms in Meerut have also been instructed to increase necessary precautions and surveillance. Meerut DFO Rajesh Kumar said on bird flu that "Instructions have been given by the government that all poultry farms of the Veterinary Department should be sanitized. However, no such incident has been reported in Meerut district yet, but we are looking at it as a precaution. Vigilance is being taken but there is no need to panic.
In such a situation, we must know what this virus is and what are its symptoms and prevention.

continued: https://hindi.news24online.com/state...alert/1190735/

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[I read something on these lines at another site, saying they don't know how the tigress got infected, as it was not being fed chicken meat, but I don't trust that site. Here is another mention of it although vague.]

May 15, 2025
Media
Zoos Across Uttar Pradesh Shut for a Week After Bird Flu Found in Tigress

Officials confirmed that the tigress tested positive for a strain of H5 bird flu at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. However, the exact cause of her death is still under investigation.

Officials confirmed that the tigress tested positive for a strain of H5 bird flu at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. However, the exact cause of her death is still under investigation. Meanwhile, test results are awaited for two other animals — a wolf and a leopard — that also died recently in the same zoo.
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He emphasised immediate implementation of preventive steps as per central and state guidelines and called for routine monitoring of both animal health and food sources.

continued: https://indianmasterminds.com/news/z...igress-117804/

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Bird flu scare: Death of a tigress lead to closure of zoos in Uttar Pradesh

Updated on:14 May 2025
Excerpt

The tigress, Shakti, was over two years old and was brought to Gorakhpur after her rescue from Lakhimpur Kheri’s Mailani in May, 2024.

Also, the viscera examination of the tigress by NIHSAD confirmed the presence of a rare Vibrio bacterial infection. This bacterium, typically found in aquatic life including fish and seabirds, is a potential risk of spreading H5N1 (avian influenza) through direct contact.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/May/14/bird-flu-scare-death-of-a-tigress-lead-to-closure-of-zoos-in-uttar-pradesh

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Yogi Orders Precautionary Measures To Contain Spread Of Bird Flu In UP
May 13, 2025
Excerpt:

The threat of bird flu has increased in Gorakhpur Zoo, as four animals have died in the last month. Bird flu has been confirmed in the viscera test report of tigress Shakti's death. When the bird enclosure was investigated, some birds were also found dead. This incident has caused a stir in the zoo administration.

https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/yogi-orders-precautionary-measures-to-contain-spread-of-bird-flu-in-up-enn25051307338

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May 15, 2025
Asiatic lion Pataudi dies at Kanpur zoo amid bird flu scare; samples sent to NIHSAD for testing



LUCKNOW: Amid the growing threat of avian influenza, or bird flu, an Asiatic lion ‘Pataudi’ died at the Kanpur zoo on Thursday morning, days after being brought in for treatment following the death of a tigress Shakti from the virus.

Pataudi was brought to Kanpur zoo from Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur on May 11.

Meanwhile, the Kanpur Zoo authorities sent the visceral samples of the feline to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal for testing.

The state wildlife authorities had already shut the three zoos, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, along with the Etawah Lion Safari till May 20 as a precautionary measure amid the bird flu scare. Moreover, additional samples from animals have been collected and sent for testing.

As per informed sources, Pataudi, aged 15, was brought to Etawah Lion Safari from Junagarh in Gujarat in September 2019. After spending two years at the safari, he was relocated to Gorakhpur Zoo in 2021.

The wildlife authorities claimed that the lion was undergoing treatment for pancreatic and hepatic infections. For the last two days, the feline had stopped consuming food and was surviving only on water. He was administered intravenous medication, and a thorough examination was conducted by veterinary doctors on Wednesday.

Pataudi was quarantined on suspicion of bird flu, and the Kanpur Zoo authorities have been ensuring continuous sanitisation of the entire premises. According to Dr. Nasir, who led a team of four veterinary doctors from the state animal husbandry department, Pataudi had consumed about a kilogram of chicken upon his arrival at Kanpur Zoo on May 11. However, he stopped eating anything from Tuesday onwards.

While the Kanpur Zoo authorities are awaiting Pataudi’s test reports, veterinary experts from Bareilly’s Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have expressed concerns that he might have contracted bird flu. His remains will be cremated following safety norms after final confirmation from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal.

continued: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nat...%20the%20virus.

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May 15, 2025
Kanpur zoo closed after lion shows bird-flu symptoms

Kanpur: A day after test reports of tigress Shakti, who died at Gorakhpur Zoo on May 7, confirmed that she was suffering from bird flu, vets are suspicious that lion Pataudi, who was shifted to Kanpur Zoo for treatment from Gorakhpur, may also have been hit by the deadly fever. As a precautionary measure, the administration has closed the Kanpur Zoo until May 20.
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Kanpur Zoo director Shraddha Yadav confirmed that Pataudi has been isolated and its treatment is underway by expert veterinarians. Meanwhile, anti-larvae treatments are ongoing to safeguard other animals.

"The zoo will be opened once the test reports of lion Pataudi clear him of any infection," she added.

continued: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/.../121170955.cms

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/kanpur-zoo-closed-after-lion-shows-bird-flu-symptoms/articleshowprint/121170955.cms

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Read more at:
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[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.editorji.com/india-news/...-1747325322198

Asiatic lion dies, UP zoos shut down

Updated: May 15, 2025 12:10
PTI

Amid a bird flu scare in Uttar Pradesh, 'Pataudi', an adult Asiatic lion from the Gorakhpur zoo, died during treatment at the Kanpur zoo on Thursday, officials said.

The lion born at the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Gujarat's Junagadh had been ailing for the past few weeks. Medical reports revealed severe infections in his liver and pancreas, the officials said.

As his condition deteriorated, Pataudi was shifted to the Kanpur zoo for advanced care under expert veterinary supervision, where he died on Thursday, Gorakhpur zoo director Vikas Yadav said.

Following the recent death of a tigress named 'Shakti' at the Gorakhpur zoo and confirmation of H5 avian influenza virus by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, on Wednesday, 13 samples from the Gorakhpur zoo were sent to the NIHSAD for testing...

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May 16
Bird Flu Scare In UP: Gorakhpur Tigress's Death Due To H5N1 Triggers Statewide Zoo Shutdown
Excerpt:

Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Meerut on High Alert

Following the Gorakhpur confirmation, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Meerut are on high alert. The Animal Husbandry Department activated veterinary teams and issued advisories to zoo staff and bird sanctuaries. “Any reports of mass bird deaths are to be reported immediately, and sampling of dead birds has begun. These samples are being sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for analysis," officials said.
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In Meerut, a control room has been set up with emergency contact numbers made public. “No bird flu cases have been reported in Meerut, but all preventive measures are in place," said CVO Dr Sandeep Sharma.

No Case in Lucknow Yet, But Zoo Shut As Precaution

No bird flu case has been reported at the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow. However, Director Aditi Singh clarified that the zoo was closed as a preventive measure. “All animals are under close observation. A decision on reopening will be made after assessing the situation," she said.

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Control Room and Emergency Instructions

Amid escalating fears, the Animal Husbandry Department in UP has opened emergency control rooms in affected districts. Public awareness campaigns are encouraging prompt reporting of sick or dead birds. Guidelines for poultry farm registration have been introduced to track disease movement and maintain transparency.

A bird flu advisory is expected shortly via video conferencing with district-level animal health officers. Public gatherings in bird sanctuaries are restricted, and handling of dead birds is done only by trained personnel in protective gear.

Officials said the next few days will be crucial in determining the scale and containment of the outbreak.

https://www.news18.com/india/bird-fl...l-9339254.html