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The Uttar Pradesh government has temporarily closed the Etawah Lion Safari and zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur for the next seven days after it was confirmed that a deceased tigress at Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur had bird flu. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri issued the directive on Tuesday in response to directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

All wild animals in the impacted facilities will be closely monitored throughout the closure, and any required medical attention will be given in accordance with symptoms. Authorities have been instructed to keep a careful eye out for any odd animal or bird fatalities, particularly those that could point to a connection with avian influenza.

The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to stop the virus from spreading to domestic animals and wildlife at a high-level assessment meeting at his home. He gave staff strong instructions to follow federal and state government regulations, make sure the zoo’s grounds are regularly sanitized, check the health of the animals and birds, and test the food for contamination.

PPE gear and training on the dangers of avian influenza will be given to workers in enclosures. Their responsibilities will be delegated according to the degree of exposure risk.

Along with tighter oversight of poultry farms around the state, the Chief Minister also ordered restrictions on the transportation of chicken products. He called on the health department to take precautions and evaluate the possible effects of the H5 type of avian flu on people.

It has also been instructed to further coordinate with national organizations, including the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, the Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control, and the Central Zoo Authority. Chief medical and veterinary officials, as well as district administrations, have been directed to make sure that all safety procedures are followed to the letter.