North Macedonia, Skopje zoo closed due to bird flu

(ANSA) - SKOPJE, OCT 19 - The Skopje Zoo was closed to visitors this morning after an outbreak of avian influenza was discovered. The Food and Veterinary Medicine Agency reported that tests on a goose found dead in the zoo's pond confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. As a first measure, the culling of 24 ducks, six geese, five chickens and one jackdaw was ordered, along with strict disinfection measures and testing of other birds. The zoo, it was announced, will be closed to visitors for 21 days. The last cases of avian influenza in North Macedonia had been recorded in 2022. (ANSA).