LUCKNOW, May 17 -- Tiger reserves in the state are also on alert after the death of two big cats afflicted with bird flu -- one each at the Gorakhpur and the Kanpur zoos.

Though open for visitors, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries have instructed their staff to watch out for abnormal behaviour among wild animals. They have also been told to keep track of birds dying inside the sanctuaries.

"Tiger reserves hardly get the impact of bird flu as wild animals here are far from human contact or reach. But we have instructed our staff to remain alert and watch out for any sign or suspicion," said Dudhwa Tiger Reserve director H Rajamohan.

All zoos in the state and the Etawah Lion Safari have been closed for visitors till May 20. Bird fl...