Following the recent deaths of a tigress and a lion due to bird flu, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries across Uttar Pradesh have ramped up surveillance efforts to monitor any abnormal behaviour among wild animals. While these reserves remain open to visitors, stringent instructions have been issued to forest staff to remain vigilant and report any signs of disease, especially in avian species.

The heightened alert comes after the tigress Shakti at Gorakhpur Zoo succumbed to the infection on May 7, followed by the death of lion Pataudi at Kanpur Zoo on May 15. In response, all zoos across the state, including the Etawah Lion Safari, have been closed to the public until May 20 as a precautionary measure.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Director H. Rajamohan stated that tiger reserves are generally considered less susceptible to bird flu outbreaks due to their remote location and limited human interaction. However, in light of the recent fatalities, the forest department is not taking any chances. “Tiger reserves hardly get the impact of bird flu as wild animals here are far from human contact or reach. But we have instructed our staff to remain alert and watch out for any sign or suspicion,” Rajamohan said.

Special attention is being paid to the movement of local migratory birds, particularly species like storks, which are still active within forest areas. Though the season for long-distance migratory birds has ended, local birds continue to move between different parts of forests. This internal migration becomes a potential threat if the birds come into contact with human settlements or infected domestic animals.

Rajamohan emphasized that the primary concern arises when these birds stop over in areas where they may be exposed to infected poultry or other avian species. The bird flu virus, if already present in human-inhabited zones, can then be transmitted into the forest ecosystem through these birds.

To counter the threat, forest staff have been organized into teams operating across three key zones of the reserves – core, buffer, and outer areas. In each of these zones, personnel, including veterinarians, have been tasked with continuous monitoring and immediate reporting of any signs of bird flu or unnatural bird deaths.

So far, only the samples from the deceased tigress and lion have tested positive for the virus. Additional samples have been collected from other zoo animals and forest personnel for testing. These samples have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease in Bhopal for further analysis.

Officials continue to urge caution but reassure the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors. As surveillance intensifies, authorities remain hopeful that early detection and swift action will prevent the spread of the virus within the state’s rich wildlife habitats.