The main zoo in Skopje, North Macedonia, has been temporarily closed after authorities confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu. The closure comes after a goose was found dead in a pond within the zoo premises, with laboratory results confirming the presence of the Avian influenza H5N1 virus.
As a precautionary measure, authorities took immediate action by euthanizing dozens of ducks, geese, chickens, and a jackdaw that shared the same pond as the infected goose. The zoo is expected to remain closed for at least three weeks to allow for thorough disinfection, inspection of other animals, and the implementation of additional biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
