Kathmandu, June 19 -- The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel has been closed indefinitely after bird flu was confirmed in several birds and animals at the facility, zoo officials said on Friday.

Ganesh Koirala, the zoo's spokesperson, said several birds and animals have died from avian influenza.

Satyanarayan Shah, the zoo's chief, said bird flu was confirmed after samples tested by the Department of Livestock Services returned positive. "We decided to close the zoo after receiving the laboratory report on Thursday evening, confirming the outbreak. We have now put strict biosecurity measures in place," he said.

Koirala said the virus was detected in egrets, owls and vultures housed at the zoo. It has also been confirmed in civets and leopard ca...