Bird Flu Spreads in Guindy Park via Migratory Birds: Preventive Measures Intensified
Tamil Nadu: Although more than 40 birds have died due to bird flu at Guindy Children’s Park, the spread of the virus has been contained thanks to intensive containment measures.
Spanning approximately 22 acres in Guindy, Chennai, the Guindy Bird Park serves as a habitat for bird species typically found in regions such as Vedanthangal and Vandalur. The park houses over 200 birds belonging to 10 different species, including the Spoonbill, Painted Stork, White-tailed Eagle, and Grey Bengal Vulture. Amidst this situation, birds housed under the care of the Children’s Park (Siruvar Park) have been dying continuously since March 13. To date, more than 40 birds have perished. Consequently, samples from the deceased birds were sent for testing to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) located in Bhopal.
Tests confirmed that the deceased birds were infected with the ‘H5N1’ strain of bird flu. As a result, the park was temporarily closed starting March 20, and no specific date has yet been set for its reopening. It is noteworthy that earlier in February, crows were found dead in large numbers across several districts—including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Tiruvannamalai—due to this very same ‘H5N1’ strain of bird flu.
Containment of Deaths: Chennai’s Wildlife Warden, Yogesh Kulal, stated, “Samples from the birds that died at Guindy Children’s Park were tested, and it was confirmed that they were infected with the ‘H5N1′ strain of bird flu. The park has now been temporarily closed to prevent the infection from spreading to humans.” The infection was detected specifically in the wetland birds residing within the park. Consequently, antibiotics have been added to their drinking water. As an additional precautionary measure, the birds’ cages have been thoroughly cleaned, and antibiotics are being sprayed in their living quarters. No birds have died in the park over the past few days. The Bird Flu outbreak has been brought completely under control.
It is believed that this infection spread due to infected crows utilizing the water provided for birds within the park premises. However, this can only be confirmed once the test results are received. He stated that, accordingly, necessary efforts are being undertaken to reopen the park as soon as possible. Migratory Birds: The Cause—In this regard, wildlife veterinarian Dr. K. Sridhar remarked, “Migratory birds are considered to be the primary cause for the spread of Bird Flu in Tamil Nadu. When other birds consume food or water previously used by an infected bird, the infection spreads to them as well. Crows typically feed together in groups; consequently, Bird Flu spreads very rapidly among them. Similarly, unless there is direct physical contact with an infected bird, there is virtually no possibility of Bird Flu spreading to humans.”
“Therefore, people should refrain from touching dead birds found lying on the streets with their bare hands. Furthermore, it is generally not possible to save infected birds. Hence, one should avoid attempting to administer first aid directly or transporting them to a veterinary hospital,” he added.
Strict Surveillance in Vandalur
Manikanda Prabhu, the Deputy Director of the park, stated that following the outbreak of Bird Flu, the Forest Department has been maintaining continuous surveillance over the birds housed at the Vandalur Zoo. He further added that safety protocols have been strictly implemented at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur since the very day the Bird Flu infection was first detected. In particular, given that wetland birds are at a higher risk of infection, medications are being sprayed within their enclosures. Additionally, migratory birds arriving in Vandalur from other regions are being kept under constant observation. Furthermore, the birds here are being continuously monitored by the park’s veterinarians. They stated that the birds here are not affected by bird flu.
