Bird flu: Nehru Zoological Park stops chicken for animals in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) has set up a rapid action force team headed by its Deputy Director (Veterinary) Dr M A Hakeem to monitor birds on daily basis in view of the outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu in some parts of the country.

Hakeem said the zoo had taken all measures to prevent bird flu. "Though Telangana and Hyderabad have not registered any case of bird flu so far, we are on alert and taking all precautions. We have stopped supply of raw chicken for all carnivores and replaced it with minced meat. Since bird flu is being spread by migratory birds, the zoo staff will be monitoring them visiting wetlands inside the zoo. We have also arranged reflecting ribbons in and around the aviary area to avoid perching of free ranging birds near aviaries. The zoo staff has taken up disinfection of all aviary areas. Veterinarians, biologists and animal keepers are regularly monitoring birds. Bio-security measures have also been taken. Movement of visitors has also been restricted in aviary area," he added.

Whitewash has been applied to all night houses. The authorities are providing antibiotic powder and B-complex syrup for birds by mixing them in their feed. Viracid anti-viral liquid has been sprayed at the birds' enclosures. Foot baths with phenyl solution is kept at main entrance, service gate and at entrances of all enclosures. Sprinkling of lime and bleaching power has also been taken all over the zoo premises.