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Uttar Pradesh Closes Zoos and Lion Safari Following H5N1 Detection in Tigress

The state enforces stringent biosecurity measures and launches a multi-agency investigation after a Gorakhpur Zoo tigress is confirmed to have died from avian influenza and a rare bacterial co-infection.

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The Lucknow Zoo shut on Tuesday evening. (HT)
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Overview

  • The Uttar Pradesh government has closed all zoos and the Etawah Lion Safari until May 20 to prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza following the death of a tigress named Shakti at Gorakhpur Zoo.
  • Lab tests confirmed the tigress had H5N1 and a rare Vibrio bacterial infection, which raises concerns about complex disease transmission risks in wildlife facilities.
  • A five-member team from the Central Zoo Authority has been tasked with investigating the outbreak and will submit a detailed report within 15 days.
  • Over 100 staff members at Gorakhpur Zoo have undergone blood testing for potential exposure, with results expected shortly, while enhanced sanitation and PPE protocols are in place.
  • All tiger reserves in the state are on high alert, with directives to monitor animal health closely and report any signs of illness or deaths immediately.