US tiger testing coronavirus positive prompts preventive measures in several zoos

Alarmed by a tiger in US testing positive for coronavirus, authorities in several zoos have initiated preventive measures to protect big cats from infection.

Central Zoo Authority in Delhi on Monday asked all zoos across country to remain on high alert and collect samples fortnightly of suspected cases in wake of US incident.

CZA Member Secretary SP Yav issued a letter to all states and union territories vising m to maintain highest level of alertness, monitor animals on 24X7 basis using CCTVs for any abrmal behaviour or symptoms.

Acting swiftly on visory, officials of Alipore zoo in Kolkata, Assam state zoo in Guwahati and Biological Park in Itanagar have enhanced regular check-ups and strict implementation of safety rms for tigers.

A four-year-old Malayan tiger named Nia has tested positive for COVID-19 at New York's Bronx Zoo. tiger is believed to have contracted virus from a caretaker who was asymptomatic at time.

Alipore Zoo director Ashis Kumar Samanta said since mid-February several precautionary measures such as regular spray of antiviral medicine inside big cats' enclosure and in garden have been started.

"We have laid strict safety rms for all caretakers, doctors and or staff of zoo," Samanta told PTI.

w it has been decided that tigers would be kept on a strict 24/7 observation so that in case of an verse situation, steps can be taken as fast as possible, he said.

"Presently caretakers and doctors daily check health condition of big cats and or animals. We have called an emergency meeting of all staffs especially caregivers, caretakers, and doctors, so that all of m follow safety rms of wearing masks, gloves, and sanitizers while treating animals," he said.

Established in 1876, Zoological Garden, Alipore, also kwn as Alipore Zoo, is India's oldest zoological park.

It currently houses eight tigers, four lions including two cubs, three leopards, and two jaguars, among or wild animals.

Alipore Zoological Garden h barred entry of visitors on March 17 to avoid large garings.

In Guwahati, minister Parimal Suklabaidya said, "Many steps have been taken in zoo to protect animals against COVID-19. zoo was closed for visitors since March 16. one except ration suppliers are allowed to enter or exit compound."

All people or materials entering zoo complex are fully sanitised with disinfectant and are provided with masks as well as sanitisers, he ded.

" zoo campus, including animal cs and enclosures, is fully sanitised and disinfected using a strong virucidal 'Virkon S' regularly. We are taking all precautions to protect our animal inmates," Suklabaidya told PTI.

Assam state zoo in Guwahati includes a botanical garden and spres over 175 acres. Established in 1957, zoo comprises 112 species varied flora and fauna.

Authorities of Itanagar based Biological Park said equate preventive measures are being taken to protect nine big cats housed re.

"With report of coronavirus spreing among inmates of zoo in USA, we are taking extra care for big cats.

"All food for carnivorous animals which are being supplied from Assam, are being properly treated before feeding animals and even vehicles are sanitized thoroughly," Park' curator Raya Flago told PTI.

He said since implementation of lockdown, zoo authority imposed restrictions on movement of all staff as y are t allowed to go out of park.

"We have also me it mandatory for staff of park to wear masks and or protective equipment while feeding inmates of zoo," Flago ded.

Biological Park Itanagar has six tigers, three leopards and 12 leopard cats including nine jackals among carnivorous species besides various herbivorous species.

" zoo authority vaccinated all animals every six months and even vaccinated all domestic animals in fringe area of park once in every year free of cost," Flago ded.