Guindy Children’s Park in Chennai has been closed to the public following an outbreak of avian influenza, after nearly 40 birds died in the facility since March 13, 2026.
Officials said samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), a national laboratory under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 virus.
Consecutive bird deaths
According to Yogesh Kulal, Wildlife Warden, Chennai, the first deaths inside the ‘Vedanthangal Aviary’ of the Children's Park were reported on the night of March 13, when 30 birds — 24 night herons and six pelicans — died. Samples were initially sent to the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Vandalur.
Tamil Nadu government issues advisory after avian influenza detection in crow samples
