After 56-day bird flu scare, Gkp zoo reopens
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On the first day of reopening, nearly 500 visitors — including many children — entered the zoo. "Everything is normal and people are enjoying their visit," said Dr Yogesh Pratap Singh, zoo vet and deputy director.
Zoo director Vikas Yadav said 72 samples were sent in phases to National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal and all were confirmed negative. The second consecutive negative report was received on Jul 4 and govt clearance for reopening came on Jul 7.
"As per protocol, reopening was allowed only after two back-to-back negative reports. All necessary precautions and biosecurity measures are in place to ensure public and animal safety," Yadav added.
During bird flu outbreak, virus claimed lives of a tiger, a tigress, a leopard and a female wolf. A team from the Central Zoo Authority visited the park and identified ducks as likely source of the virus.
Meanwhile, tigress Mailani remains under observation. Although tested negative for bird flu two months ago, the tigress's condition hasn't improved and is immobile suffering from organ damage despite treatment," said Dr Singh.
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