Nepal's Central Zoo in the Kathmandu Valley has been closed indefinitely since Friday, 20 June after avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed in more than a dozen birds and animals on the premises. The closure, announced by zoo authorities in a late-night notice, is aimed at protecting the health and safety of visitors and the general public.

What Triggered the Closure

The National Trust for Nature Conservation, which operates the Central Zoo, confirmed that infected animals include mostly birds along with a few mammals — specifically leopard cats, jungle cats, and civets. Ganesh Koirala, Information Officer at the Central Zoo, said the facility has been shut for disinfection. 'The zoo is expected to remain closed for at least one week, and it may be prolonged depending on the risk,' he said.

Scale of Nepal's Bird Flu Outbreak

The infection at the zoo is part of a wider outbreak that first surfaced in eastern Morang district of Koshi Province on 18 March this year. Since then, according to the Department of Livestock Services, at least 55 poultry farms across 10 districts have been affected. Authorities have been forced to destroy 4,79,156 birds and 6,94,193 eggs, along with 1,82,775 kg of animal feed.

Spread to Kathmandu Valley

Animals at the zoo were infected as the disease spread into the Kathmandu Valley in recent days, marking a geographic escalation of the outbreak. The Department of Livestock Services noted that while the situation in Koshi Province appears contained, 'the increasing number of affected farms in the Kathmandu Valley highlights continued transmission dynamics and underscores the need for strengthened biosecurity, surveillance, and response interventions.'

No Mass Culling Planned

Unlike standard protocol at commercial poultry farms, zoo authorities have not announced any plan for wholesale culling of the infected animals. This approach reflects the conservation value of the zoo's residents, though it may extend the disinfection timeline. The Central Zoo is one of the Kathmandu Valley's most visited attractions, drawing students, tourists, and families year-round.

Public Health Context

Health officials note that while human-to-human transmission of bird flu remains rare, there are documented instances of people in sustained daily contact with infected birds contracting the virus. Authorities have not reported any human cases linked to the current outbreak. The situation will continue to be monitored as the zoo undergoes disinfection.