The Berlin Zoo was closed to visitors on Friday until further notice. The background is a case of bird flu, as reported by the "Tagesspiegel". In the meantime, the DPA news agency has also received confirmation from a nurse that an animal had contracted bird flu and died.

The dead animal is a hammerhead, a species of water bird native to Africa. Earlier this year, there had already been cases of avian influenza in wild animals in Berlin.

The closure is intended to prevent bird flu from spreading further and spreading to humans or pets. The closure is well suited for this and a sufficient means, because the zoo is an area "that can be well isolated".

It is still unclear how long Berliners will have to do without visiting the zoo. The zoo did not comment further on the DPA. The "Tagesspiegel" reports from official circles that a "week-long closure" is assumed.

According to the "Tagesspiegel", the Berlin Senate for the Environment advises not to touch dead birds with your bare hands at the moment. If this cannot be avoided, you should wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. However, it is unlikely that the flu will spread to humans.

Sources: dpa, "Tagesspiegel"