Mysuru: Mysuru zoo is on high alert amidst reports of suspected bird flu in some parts of the country. The Delhi zoo was temporarily shut after some birds died of suspected H5N1.
The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA), in its communication, has asked them to take necessary precautionary measures in the light of fresh cases of suspected avian influenza (H5N1). Speaking to mediapersons, Mysuru zoo director Kamala K said that steps were taken accordingly with round-the-clock surveillance of birds after the zoo received CZA’s communication.
“Visitors are made to enter the zoo premises dipping their feet in disinfectant solution as a deterrent measure. The vehicles carrying food supplies to the zoo also enter the premises with their tyres immersed in disinfectant solution. The zoo keepers have been asked to clean the bird enclosures daily with antiseptics and report immediately in case of sick birds and bird deaths. So far, there have been no reports,” said Kamala.
The walk-through aviary at Karanji Lake Nature Park (KLNP), which is under the control of Mysuru zoo, has also been under close watch as a lot of winged varieties have been housed there.
She said the staff at KLNP had been asked to monitor migratory birds nesting in the lake environs. “As they can be carriers of the flu, we have taken all precautions to ensure health of our birds. Also, no bird deaths had been noticed around the lake surroundings,” she said.
The zoo authority has continued to feed chicken to the carnivorous animals only after thoroughly washing and boiling the meat.
