Visakhapatnam: Special attention on guarding birds at zoo park

Visakhapatnam: In the wake of the avian influenza outbreak in various parts of the country, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) is pulling out all stops to guard the birds in the zoo.

Following recommended bio-security protocol and infection control practices, the IGZP in Visakhapatnam is paying special attention to preventive steps.

The zoo which remained shut for almost eight months during the lockdown period and subsequent months last year due to the pandemic is steadily returning to normalcy ever since its gates were thrown open to the visitors two months back.

With confirmed cases of the bird flu reported in Kerala, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, the zoo is paying larger focus on taking preventive measures to save birds at the enclosures from getting infected with the avian influenza.

"Currently, there are about 223 birds in the IGZP. Since wild birds and migratory birds are vulnerable, we are taking all bio-security measures as per the protocol. Also, we are keeping a close tab on the health condition of the birds at the zoo," says Nandani Salaria, zoo curator.

Surveillance of the bird enclosures at IGZP intensifies and so are their upkeep measures, the zoo curator adds.

Five years back, the Delhi zoo remained closed for almost three months as some of the birds reportedly died after their samples confirmed the presence of H5N8 avian influenza virus. In a step to prevent the birds from getting infected, the Delhi zoo authorities have now decided to stop feeding fish and chicken to the animals at enclosures as a precautionary measure.

Back in Visakhapatnam, the IGZP is keeping a close tab on the health condition of the birds at the enclosures, ensuring their clean maintenance and following bio-security measures meticulously.