Nagpur, India: After a recent bird flu outbreak at Gorewada Rescue Centre (GRC) in Nagpur, the Central Government has advised all zoos in India to follow strict safety measures. One tiger and two leopards died due to the H5N1 virus, raising concerns about its spread.

To prevent further cases, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has instructed zoos to follow the National Action Plan for the prevention and control of H5N1. The government has also asked zoos to consult wildlife experts from the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly for guidance on disease control.

A special team from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal, and WRDDL, Pune, conducted investigations at Gorewada and in Chandrapur forest, where the infected tiger was captured. Officials tested 68 samples from animals at GRC, and all tested negative for bird flu.

The government recently held a meeting with Maharashtra officials, wildlife experts, and health authorities to discuss preventive steps. They emphasised close coordination between departments to stop the spread of the virus. Zoos across the country have been asked to stay alert and take all necessary precautions to protect animals from infection.