Gorakhpur.The risk of bird flu is deepening at Gorakhpur Zoo in Uttar Pradesh. The investigation reports on Friday have increased the concern of the forest department and the health department manifold. According to the report, bird flu has been confirmed in eight wildlife, including birds as well as big animals such as tigress and leopards. It is considered to be the most serious wildlife - bird flu incident in the state so far.

Bird flu confirms and deaths

Three crows, foreign birds Kakatel, tigress Malani, Himalayan vulture and two leopard cubs were found infected in the investigation of samples sent to National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal. Kakatel died a few hours before the positive report came.

The zoo Deputy Director said that the report was received from Bhopal in two phases on Friday. Five wildlife has died in the last one and a half months in the zoo. On March 30, the tiger Kesari, who was rescued from Pilibhit, was first killed. This was followed by female wolf Bhairavi on 5 May, tigress power on 7 May and leopard Mona on 8 May. Bird flu was found due to the death of tigress power. At the same time, Sher Pataudi, who was sent to Kanpur, also died there.

Zoo administration on alert mode

Dr. Yogesh Pratap Singh, Deputy Director and Chief Veterinary Officer of Gorakhpur Zoo said that the report was received on Friday in two phases and all departments have been kept on alert immediately. The entire campus is being confronted and animals in possible contact are being monitored strictly.

25% declines in poultry sales

The local poultry industry has also been badly affected after confirming bird flu in dead crows in the zoo. The sales of cock-mugs have fallen by up to 25% in the last 15 days. Shopkeepers say that customers are avoiding buying chicken and eggs due to fear of bird flu.

Government steps and appeal to people

The state government has issued orders to increase monitoring in all zoos and bird sanctuaries with immediate effect. At the same time, the public has been appealed to avoid rumors, eat chicken or poultry products well, and immediately inform the department of any dead bird.