COVID-19: Zoos put on high alert
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06 2020:
After a Malayan 4-year-old tiger named Nadia at New York City's Bronx Zoo tested positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has directed all zoos in the country including Manipur Zoological Garden to remain on highest alertness.
The animals should be watched 24x7 using CCTV for any abnormal behaviour/symptoms.
Keepers/handlers should wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and have least contact while providing feed to animals.
Sick animals should be isolated and quarantined, said the Ministry.
Carnivore mammals like cat, ferret and primates should be monitored carefully and fortnightly sam- ples of suspected cases for COVID-19 test should be sent to designated animal health institutes- National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal MP, National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Hisar, Haryana, Central Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic (CADRAD), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP, said the Ministry.
All bio-containment and safety measures should be taken up and the zoos should co-ordinate with designated nodal agencies of the Government responsible for public health response and permit screening, testing and surveillance as and when required by the nodal agency, advised the Ministry.
Apart from the 4-year-old tiger, six other tigers and lions have also fallen ill at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
The Malayan tiger started showing symptoms on March 17, reported Associated Press.
In accordance to the ministry's instruction, precautionary measures have been taken up at Manipur Zoological Garden, Iroishemba.
Now animal attendants will use protective equipment and disinfectants while entering cages.