Tigers, Leopard die of bird flu at Nagpur zoo; red alert issued

Three tigers and a leopard died from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, at the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur.

The animals, rescued from the wild in December due to human-animal conflict in Chandrapur, were the first known cases of bird flu-related deaths in captive wildlife in India. Their deaths have led to a red alert for other zoos in Maharashtra. Authorities have instructed an immediate suspension of animal transfers to and from the zoo.

As per a report published in The Times of India, samples from the deceased animals were sent for testing at the ICAR-National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal on December 31, 2024. Results confirmed that three tigers and two leopards tested positive for the H5N1 virus, with one male tiger testing negative.

This bird flu strain, first reported in poultry, has spread to over 500 species, including 70 mammals worldwide. It has affected wildlife across all continents, even reaching polar bears in Antarctica.

In response to the incident, the Wildlife Research and Training Centre (WRTC) has issued guidelines for zoos, rescue centers, and treatment facilities to contain the virus’s spread. The advisory calls for measures such as preventing bird access to animals, disinfecting equipment and footwear, and avoiding feeding carnivores raw poultry or unverified meat. Regular health monitoring for unusual behavior or symptoms is also recommended.

The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Commissioner has written to the state’s chief secretary, urging immediate action to isolate infected or symptomatic animals. It is also recommended that zoos temporarily close to the public and tighten biosecurity measures.

This outbreak highlights the threat of HPAI to wildlife and human health. Authorities emphasize a "One Health" approach, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental sectors to prevent further transmission.

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