The National Zoological Park, here which reported one more bird death today taking the overall toll to 70, may remain out of bounds for visitors for the next three months, an official said today.
Zoo authorities identified the dead bird as a 'rosy pelican'. Samples of it have been sent for testing and the Centre-appointed committee has been apprised, they said.
"The standard protocol of H5N1 prescribes a closure period of at least 45 days. H5N8 does not have any protocol but norms will be followed and the zoo may remain shut for a longer period, may be for around three months," a government official said.
Sources said authorities will greenflag the reopening of the zoo after they are convinced that it is virus-free. The origin of the viral strain will also have to be established.
A Delhi government official said there were reports of pigeon deaths from the Old Delhi area but the cause could not be immediately ascertained. "The likelihood of it being a case of flu death is less," the official said.
Union Agriculture secretary also reviewed the actions taken for control of the avian influenza.
"The monitoring committee constituted by the Environment Ministry for overseeing outbreak of avian influenza reviewed the situation regarding the control and containment of the avian influenza," an official statement said.
A team of scientists from National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune have already visited the zoo and collected samples, sensitised and trained zoo staff about bio-security measures against avian influenza.
The zoo had reported the death of a grey partridge yesterday. Zoo curator Riyaz Khan, however, had refused to equate the death with bird flu, saying it was a captive bird that died of fighting among the birds in the enclosure.
A total of 13 water birds, including painted storks, ducks and pelicans died of H5 Avian influenza at its premises since October 14.
A team of Central Zoo Authority is stationed at the zoo to monitor the situation.
Earlier this year, the zoo had also reported the death of around 46 spotted deers. It also lost its sole King Cobra recently.
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