India's Delhi zoo shut after positive bird flu tests from two storks

Two dead storks at Delhi Zoo have tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu virus, prompting authorities to shut the facility from Saturday, the Times of India reported.

A sample from another dead captive bird is being tested as authorities implement bio-security measures and intensive surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus to other animals and humans, the newspaper reported.

The zoo will be shut until further orders, it said.

The spread of bird flu would be a concern for the government and the poultry industry because it can devastate flocks, prompt trade restrictions and pose a risk of human transmission.