Water bird died: Berlin Zoo closed immediately due to bird flu

Avian flu has been found in a water bird in the Berlin Zoo.

The hammerhead died on November 13, the zoo announced on Friday.

The virus has now been confirmed in the laboratory.

"In consultation with the local authorities, Zoo Berlin will be closed to guests as a precaution with immediate effect," it said.

Almost all birds, including the penguins, were placed in rear aviaries and stables.

"Fortunately, no other animal shows symptoms of the disease," said the zoological director of Berlin Zoo and Tierpark Christian Kern.

They would still be tested for the virus.

A precautionary closure of the entire zoo grounds is an important step in this situation until you have a better overview of the situation, said the Senate Department for Consumer Protection.

The primary goal is to prevent the virus from spreading.