Lucknow on Alert as Bird Flu Raises Ugly Head

Lucknow is on high alert following a confirmed bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) outbreak in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government taking swift action to curb its spread. The alarm was raised after a tigress at Gorakhpur’s Shaheed Ashfaqulla Khan Zoological Park tested positive, prompting the closure of zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and the Etawah Lion Safari for a week. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, chairing a high-level meeting, directed officials to enforce stringent biosecurity measures across zoos, sanctuaries, and poultry farms to protect animals and humans.

The H5N1 virus, known for its high pathogenicity, primarily affects birds but can infect mammals and, rarely, humans through close contact with infected animals. In Lucknow, the zoo has been sanitized, and all animals are under close medical observation, with rapid reporting of unusual deaths mandated. The Central Zoo Authority has deployed a five-member team to assist, while the state has banned poultry imports from affected regions.

Public concern is palpable, with many residents avoiding poultry products, recalling a 2021 outbreak that led to a temporary shift to vegetarian diets. Experts emphasize that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe, as the virus is destroyed at 70°C. The Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department has set up 24/7 control rooms, and surveillance has been intensified in poultry markets and wetlands.

With no reported human cases in Lucknow, the risk to the public remains low, but the city’s proactive measures reflect the gravity of the situation. As Lucknow navigates this crisis, the focus is on containment, awareness, and ensuring the safety of its residents and wildlife.