Even the Rosy Pelicans, the Painted Storks and ducks were not spared. In a first, the National Zoological Park, dubbed the Delhi Zoo, has been shut for three days following the death of 10 water birds, including local migratory birds, in a suspected Avian virus (H5N1) outbreak."Following the death of 10 birds, it has been decided that the Delhi Zoo will close for at least three days for the safety of visitors," said Rural Development Minister Gopal Rai. Along with a team from the Central Zoo Authority, Rai visited the Zoo on Wednesday.

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It began when two water birds were found dead in the zoo premises on October 14, according to Rai. Another six birds died the next day, following which the samples of ducks were sent to Jalandhar and Mathura to ascertain cause of death. It was found to be a case of bird flu.

"Another bird died on October 17 and the tenth one was found dead on Wednesday," the minister said, confirming that "at least three of these birds have tested positive for the H5 Avian Influenza virus."

Stepping up precautionary measures, a team of 10 personnel have been deployed to apprise the situation. Chalk dust and insecticide have been sprayed at all places where the birds, specifically poultry birds, are found.

"Six rapid response teams have been rushed to suspected spots including the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Yamuna Diversity Park, Wazirabad and Ghazipur Murga Market as the H5 virus is generally carried by wild migratory birds," Rai said.

A helpline number (23890318) has been set up by the animal husbandry department. Rai will also hold a meeting with the stakeholders and take stock of the situation on Thursday. A special team of veterinarians from Maharashtra will also visit the Delhi Zoo.

''This is the first time Delhi has witnessed the H5 virus. We will discuss the issue with Kerala, Maharashtra and West Bengal as they have faced the problem before," Rai said.

Director of Delhi Zoo, Amitabh Agnihotri, said that the virus posed no threat to humans. "The virus is found only in wild animals and poses no threat to human life unless an infected bird is consumed."

Earlier this year, the Delhi Zoo came under the spotlight when the death of 46 deer was reported at its premises.

Zoo desolate

"We have come to visit Delhi and are going back on Thursday. It's disappointing that we won't be able to visit the Zoo," says a disappointed Shabana, member of a 35-person group from Tamil Nadu. Several others like Shabana returned disappointed on Wednesday.The shutdown affected vendors and service providers to the zoo as well. "We don't have as many customers as we receive on a normal day," says Rakesh, an auto driver. Ahmad Jaan, a vendor outside the zoo premises, said: "For the past 30 years, I have been sitting here selling popcorn and toys. I have never witnessed the Delhi Zoo being shut for two consecutive days."