THE recent bird flu outbreak at the Central Hatchery at Seminary Hills, has raised concern among all zoos and animal rescue centres in the city. Gorewada Rescue Centre and Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo are taking precautions to prevent the spread of bird flu in other wild animals and birds at the zoo and centre. The Rescue Centre, which has more than 55 carnivores and around 100 herbivores, restricted entry of persons, except caretakers and veterinarians, close to the animal and bird enclosures. “We have stopped feeding chicken and eggs to animals in the centre. Our veterinarians are continuously taking follow-up of all animals residing at the centre on daily basis,” Pandurang Pakhale, Zoo Director, told‘The Hitavada’.

 

Similarly, the management strictly restricted entry to outsidevehicles in the Gorewada Zoo. Veterinarians are continuouslymonitoring health of the animalsin the zoo. Transit Treatment Centre(TTC), Seminary Hills, which is situated within the two kilometre radius of the outbreak site, also is taking special care of its wild animals and birds. Kundan Hate, in-charge, TTC, informed ‘The Hitavada’ that, the management shifted all birds to an isolation ward and no one was allowed to enter the area except veterinarians. The staff is taking special care of injured animals at the TTC hospital. The disinfection process is being carried out regularly in the vicinity of the hospital. Management of Maharajbag Zoo also is taking special precaution for safety of health of its wild animals and birds. The management is carrying out time-to-time disinfection process to keep animals safe from the disease.

 

A bird flu outbreak was confirmed at the Central Hatchery at Seminary Hills on March 24 after around 800 to 1,000 birds died. Also, the Bhopal-based CSIR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) lab confirmed presence of the infection, triggering urgent containment measures and administrative action. After confirmation, several Assistant Commissioners and Livestock Development officers were instructed to immediately report to the Central Hatchery to oversee the scientific disposal of poultry birds. In view of the outbreak, the District Collector has issued an official notification. Keeping the notification in mind, all zoos and rescue centres in city are taking special precautions.