Uttarakhand: High alert in Nainital zoo due to bird flu, monitoring of wildlife intensified

As per the instructions received from the Central Zoo Authority, an alert has been issued in Nainital Zoo in view of the threat of bird flu these days. As per the guidelines received from the Central Zoo Authority, the zoo administration has taken several strict precautionary measures, so that birds and other creatures can be kept safe from this infectious disease. Nainital DFO Chandrashekhar Joshi said that as a precaution, two doctors have been deployed in the zoo. Blood samples of leopards, tigers and other animals and birds kept in the zoo have been collected, and the health of the animals is being tested.

Zoo on high alert

DFO Chandrashekhar Joshi said that recently cases of bird flu have been reported in some areas of Uttar Pradesh. After which the Central Zoo Authority has instructed all state zoos to remain on high alert. Nainital Zoo, which is located at a high altitude and is a shelter for many rare bird species, is considered to be particularly at risk. In such a situation, the arrangements here have been strengthened immediately.

Special monitoring of birds

The zoo currently has monal, peacock, vulture, owl, parrot and many other types of native and foreign bird species. All these are being monitored specially. The zoo staff has been instructed to immediately report health tests and any changes in the behavior of the birds every day. A team of veterinarians is actively working for regular checkup of the birds.

Prohibition of outside contact in the zoo

The administration has taken several steps to prevent the entry of outside birds into the zoo premises. Under this, netting has been done around the zoo, so that wild birds cannot fly in. Along with this, all the enclosures are being sanitized. All the employees of the zoo have been instructed to work with kits, gloves, masks and sanitizers.

The zoo has not been closed yet, but tourists are not being allowed to go close to the birds. Barricading has been done especially around the bird enclosures. Also, it has been made mandatory for the visitors to wear masks and sanitize their hands. The zoo administration is appealing to tourists for cooperation so that this infection can be prevented.

DFO Chandrashekhar Joshi, DFO

Identification of symptoms of bird flu

Birds infected with bird flu usually have symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, neck twisting and breathing problems. A separate monitoring team has been formed to identify these symptoms, which is preparing a report every day and sending it to the higher officials. DFO Chandrashekhar Joshi said that no symptoms of bird flu have been seen in Uttarakhand yet. If symptoms like bird flu are found in any bird, it will be immediately separated and kept in isolation.

Continuous monitoring is being done

For this, a special isolation zone has been prepared in the zoo. Apart from this, proper treatment and the procedure suggested by the Center will also be adopted if the infection is confirmed. He further said that we are fully following the guidelines received from the Center. Blood samples of the animals of the zoo have been collected and sent for testing. Our priority is the safety of all birds and animals. We are prepared for any emergency and are constantly monitoring.