Precautionary measures at zoo following bird flu in WB

Mysore, Feb 2 (UNI) The century-old Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden here has taken several precautionary measures following the bird flu scare that hit West Bengal.

The zoological garden, known for housing large number of rare species of birds, had stopped procuring birds under the Animal Exchange Programme for the time being, sources at the zoo told UNI.

''We have taken all necessary steps even before receiving a two page fax from the Central Zoo Authority bearing few instructions,'' they added.

Feeding of chicken and egg to the animals had also been stopped and all the cages were sprayed with 'Kohorsalin', the only drug which was capable of preventing the virus. Each round of usage of the drug cost around Rs one lakh, they added.

The staff were provided with gloves, masks, caps and other necessary accessories to be worn while entering the animal enclosures, said Zoo Assistant Director Nanjappa.

As the avian influenza, the virus causing bird flu, was spread mainly through migratory birds, the birds at Karanji lake were also under the scanner.

In the cause of bird deaths, the remainings were sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals at Hebbal in Bangalore. Similar measures were taken at the 'walk through aviary' at the Karnaji lake, where also many birds were housed.

Even the visitors at the zoo entrance were asked to dip their legs in a mixture of chemical solution, for preventing the virus.

UNI BSP MSP KK HT1925