As a precaution to make sure that all procedures for H5 avian influenza are followed for the safety of birds and animals, all Uttar Pradesh zoos, including the Etawah lion Safari, would be closed to tourists till May 27, Forest minister Arun K. Saxena announced on Tuesday.
Due to bird flu mortality, the zoos in Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and kanpur were already closed till May 20. However, the closure has now been extended. "The closure of zoos is precautionary, and to ensure all protocols for H5 avian influenza are followed for safety of birds and animals," Saxena stated. According to officials, the closure of Gorakhpur's Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park might be prolonged. At the zoo entrance, a notice informing the public of the closure's indefinite duration has been displayed.
To date, bird flu has been linked to the deaths of a peacock, a leopard on april 7, a tiger named "Shakti" on May 8, a lion named "Pataudi" on May 15, and a tiger named "Keshri," who was older than seven, on march 30.
The Gorakhpur Zoo, where the first death was reported, is being inspected by a team assembled by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Officials from the indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, and the animal husbandry department of the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), located in Bhopal, are on the team. A Barbary lion and two other large cats were among the major animals from whom the panel took random samples on the second day of their examination.
In addition, over 50 environmental samples were gathered, such as drinking water sources, surface swabs, and bird droppings.
According to Vikas Yadav, director of the Gorakhpur Zoo, the prolonged shutdown is a preventative step to stop any possible infection.
Meanwhile, after dead ravens were found on the zoo grounds, worries increased. By monday night, there were nine crow deaths on the property. The most recent samples were transferred for additional investigation by veterinary staff to the indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly.
Following the avian influenza scare, Covid precautions have been put into place within a kilometer of the kanpur zoo. The action comes after local authorities and citizens expressed alarm over the deaths of a lion and a peacock in the last week.
Since avian influenza can infect people, Covid precautions have been implemented, according to additional CMO Dr. Rajeshwar Tiwari. A medical team will keep an eye on the region, check on people, take samples when necessary, and administer medication as needed. "People must wash their hands regularly, wear face masks, and maintain physical distance," he said.
There is a sizable population in the vicinity of the zoo. The hospital and incinerator zone of the zoo are located next to one of the housing developments constructed by the kanpur Development Authority. As a precaution, many nearby households have voiced their concerns and kept their windows closed.
On wednesday, representatives of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) are anticipated to investigate the zoo and probably suggest further measures to stop the spread of infection.
No animal fatalities were reported on Tuesday, according to Naved Ikram, the regional forest officer. According to him, 11 animals' blood and swab samples have been submitted to a lab in Bhopal, and the results should be available by wednesday morning. Water samples taken from different areas of the zoo and samples from zoo employees have also been sent for analysis. "At present, the situation appears to be under control," Ikram stated.
Veterinarians are keeping a tight eye on the condition of two tigresses, Aadya and Pushpa, who apparently only ate half of their regular meal on Tuesday.
Due to bird flu mortality, the zoos in Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and kanpur were already closed till May 20. However, the closure has now been extended. "The closure of zoos is precautionary, and to ensure all protocols for H5 avian influenza are followed for safety of birds and animals," Saxena stated. According to officials, the closure of Gorakhpur's Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park might be prolonged. At the zoo entrance, a notice informing the public of the closure's indefinite duration has been displayed.
To date, bird flu has been linked to the deaths of a peacock, a leopard on april 7, a tiger named "Shakti" on May 8, a lion named "Pataudi" on May 15, and a tiger named "Keshri," who was older than seven, on march 30.
The Gorakhpur Zoo, where the first death was reported, is being inspected by a team assembled by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Officials from the indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, and the animal husbandry department of the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), located in Bhopal, are on the team. A Barbary lion and two other large cats were among the major animals from whom the panel took random samples on the second day of their examination.
In addition, over 50 environmental samples were gathered, such as drinking water sources, surface swabs, and bird droppings.
According to Vikas Yadav, director of the Gorakhpur Zoo, the prolonged shutdown is a preventative step to stop any possible infection.
Meanwhile, after dead ravens were found on the zoo grounds, worries increased. By monday night, there were nine crow deaths on the property. The most recent samples were transferred for additional investigation by veterinary staff to the indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly.
Following the avian influenza scare, Covid precautions have been put into place within a kilometer of the kanpur zoo. The action comes after local authorities and citizens expressed alarm over the deaths of a lion and a peacock in the last week.
Since avian influenza can infect people, Covid precautions have been implemented, according to additional CMO Dr. Rajeshwar Tiwari. A medical team will keep an eye on the region, check on people, take samples when necessary, and administer medication as needed. "People must wash their hands regularly, wear face masks, and maintain physical distance," he said.
There is a sizable population in the vicinity of the zoo. The hospital and incinerator zone of the zoo are located next to one of the housing developments constructed by the kanpur Development Authority. As a precaution, many nearby households have voiced their concerns and kept their windows closed.
On wednesday, representatives of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) are anticipated to investigate the zoo and probably suggest further measures to stop the spread of infection.
No animal fatalities were reported on Tuesday, according to Naved Ikram, the regional forest officer. According to him, 11 animals' blood and swab samples have been submitted to a lab in Bhopal, and the results should be available by wednesday morning. Water samples taken from different areas of the zoo and samples from zoo employees have also been sent for analysis. "At present, the situation appears to be under control," Ikram stated.
Veterinarians are keeping a tight eye on the condition of two tigresses, Aadya and Pushpa, who apparently only ate half of their regular meal on Tuesday.
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