FMD under control in city zoo: experts

Thiruvananthapuram, July 12 (UNI) The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which claimed the lives of 19 animals in the city zoo, has been brought under control, an expert team said today.

Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Joint Director M D Venkitesha and Deputy Director Ravindra Hegde, after visiting the zoo, told newspersons here that the disease was now under control.

''There is no need to worry and the zoo can be opened for public''.

The city zoo, one of the oldest and best in the country, was closed down last week following the death of mithun, black bucks and a few other zoo animals due to FMD.

The team would submit its report to zoo authorities in the two days.

Zoo Director Elcy George said cleaning operation was in full swing and all precautionary measures is being taken to prevent any spread of the disease.

She said the technical committee of the zoo would meet here tomorrow to take stock of the situation and a decision on the question of reopening the zoo would be taken at the meeting.

UNI