Lucknow, May 14 (UNI) Amid rising concerns over bird flu (avian influenza), the Uttar Pradesh Wildlife Department has issued a high alert across all zoological and safari parks in the state, an official said here on Wednesday.

The official said that the department has enforced strict health safety standards and temporarily closed all zoological parks in the state for one week. "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given explicit instructions to ensure the safety and well-being of all animals housed in the state’s zoos and safari parks. In line with these directives, the Central Zoo Authority has mobilised a 5-member team of veterinary doctors and pathologists from leading wildlife institutions in the country," he said.

He said that the team will soon be dispatched to the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur to conduct a thorough medical examination of the zoo’s animals for signs of bird flu. "A detailed report will be submitted within 15 days, following which further decisions on animal care will be made by the findings," he said.

The official said that in light of the confirmed presence of bird flu at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park, the Wildlife Department has swiftly closed all zoos and the Lion Safari in Etawah to tourists. "Health safety measures for wild animals are being rigorously followed to contain the spread of the disease," he said.

Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri said that the Central Zoo Authority has formed a 5-member team of veterinary doctors and pathologists to investigate the impact of avian influenza at the Gorakhpur zoo.

She said, "The team includes representatives from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Wildlife Health Management Department, Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), ICAR Bareilly and Bhopal, and pathologists. Once the investigation is complete, a report will be submitted within 15 days, and based on the findings, the future course of action for the zoos and safari parks in the state will be determined."

Vemuri said, "A special monitoring system and stringent health safety protocols are being rigorously enforced across all zoos in the state, including those in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Etawah Safari Park. All Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have been directed to conduct regular health checkups for animals and to immediately report any signs of irregularities. Moreover, wild animals are now being fed only after routine health assessments to ensure their well-being."

She said that the zoo employees have been directed to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and adhere to strict personal hygiene protocols. "Regular sanitisation is being carried out at all zoos to prevent the potential spread of the virus. The Wildlife Department is in constant communication with the Central Zoo Authority, ensuring that all health safety guidelines provided by them are fully implemented," she said.

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