Skopje, 20 October 2024 (MIA) -- When they detected a dead bird on Oct. 14, instead of notifying the Food and Veterinary Agency in line with legal regulations, Skopje Zoo staff took samples from the animal on suspicions of deadly avian disease, and on Oct. 15 had the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine lab perform tests for bird flu, the FVA said in a press release Sunday.

The results, on Oct. 18, confirmed the presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus strain, but the Skopje Zoo still did not immediately report this to the FVA, the release said.

On Oct. 19, FVA veterinary inspectors carried out an inspection of the zoo, assisted by police, and ordered measures in line with the Law on Veterinary Health and official guidelines for avian influenza control.

The measures included imposing a visitor ban; killing and safely disposing of birds; collecting samples for laboratory testing; disinfecting the area; and increasing biosecurity protocols, the FVA said.

The FVA's primary purpose is to protect the health of animals and people from foodborne and zoonotic diseases, the agency said.

"The Skopje Zoo is one of the most frequented public places by young visitors, and children and their health should be our focus in building a healthy society," the release said. mr/