India, Aug. 29 -- The Delhi Zoo will be temporarily closed for visitors from Saturday till further notice after samples collected from two dead painted storks tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu), officials confirmed on Friday.

According to a release by Delhi Zoo, the samples were sent for screening to the National Institute for high Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal on Wednesday. "The result was reported positive for H5N1 avian influenza virus for both the samples on August 28 evening by NIHSAD, Bhopal," the release mentioned.

Zoo director Sanjeet Kumar said that surveillance and bio-security measures have been put in place to prevent any spread of diseases. "Immediate action have been initiated in accordance with 'Gu...