UP: Govt closes Etawah lion safari, zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur following bird flu outbreak

LUCKNOW : The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a week-long shutdown of the Etawah Lion Safari and zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur following confirmation of bird flu in a deceased tigress at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park.

According to a press statement, the decision was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following which the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Anuradha Vemuri, issued official orders.

During this period, the zoo will closely monitor all wild animals and make medical arrangements based on their symptoms. Special directives have been issued to promptly report unusual animal or bird deaths, particularly those potentially linked to bird flu, ensuring swift action around the zoo.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to review the state’s preparedness and response plan following alerts over the H5 Avian Influenza virus.

H5 Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds, particularly poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

It is caused by influenza A viruses, and the “H5” refers to one of the subtypes of these viruses, specifically, H5N1, which is among the most well-known and dangerous forms.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Adityanath also met with departmental ministers and officials regarding the presentation of the PWD.

Earlier on Monday, in a significant step towards establishing Uttar Pradesh as an ‘Advanced and Industrial State’ and achieving the goal of a ‘One Trillion Dollar Economy,’ the CM Yogi Adityanath-led government introduced a new scheme to promote eco-friendly industrial units.

According to a press release, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has launched this initiative to facilitate the establishment of industrial units in the authorised areas of Gautam Buddh Nagar and Bulandshahr districts. (ANI)