On Christmas Eve, a zoo in Berlin opened its doors for the first time after being closed for about five weeks due to a case of bird flu, DPA reports.

On Saturday, the mayor of Berlin Franziska Giffi visited the animals and brought a Christmas tree for the elephants.

Visitor numbers remained under control, but certain measures had to be followed to protect the zoo’s bird population and prevent the spread of the H5N1 virus.

For example, the zoo has placed special disinfecting mats at the entrance, on which guests must walk or ride. In addition, no birds may be touched on the way to or in the zoo.

As reported in the zoo, on November 13, a bird infected with a virus of the Hamerkop breed died. After laboratory confirmation of bird flu, the zoo was evacuated on November 18. According to the zoo, all other 1,200 birds tested negative.

According to the district administration of the Mitte district, where the zoo is located, the veterinary inspectorate is expected to issue a release permit in the coming days so that all the birds at the zoo can remain alive. Only those birds that have had direct contact with the carcass of an infected hamerkop bird should remain indoors. They will be checked again in the first week of January.

The virus of the so-called bird flu is called H5N1. So far, it has been associated with human infections only in rare isolated cases. However, it can easily spread in bird populations. For animals it is a mortal danger. (Source Agerpres)