KANPUR: After the confirmation of bird flu outbreak in Kanpur zoo late Saturday night, 49 birds, including eight at the zoo hospital and 41 common fowls at a meat shop, were culled on Sunday.
These birds were found to be in a poor state of health and they were culled to rule out any possibility of spread of avian influenza.
Kanpur zoo is home to 500 birds of 30 different species, besides 1,400 animals.
Chief veterinary officer Dr AP Mishra confirmed the culling of 49 birds, including eight at Kanpur zoo. “As of now, the situation is totally under control. Poultry farm owners have been issued the list of do’s and don’ts to check the spread of the disease,” he added.
“Area falling within 1km radius around Kanpur zoo has been declared a containment zone while that falling within 10 km is surveillance zone. Meat shops selling chicken within these two zones have been closed down as a precautionary measure,” Dr Mishra said.
“Neither the stock of poultry birds will be allowed at meat shops nor birds from here will be allowed to be transported elsewhere. Our teams are keeping a strict vigil on the situation,” he added.
At least 20 birds, including 8 culled on Sunday, have been disposed of till now. A total of 12 birds had died last week.
To check the spread of bird flu, zoo authorities have adopted strict biosecurity measures and are ensuring disinfection of the entire zoo premises thrice a day and have made it out of bounds for visitors.
The movement of zoo keepers has also been restricted.
Soil and water samples collected from various spots at the zoo, including the area around zoo lake, have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease in Bhopal for confirmation of avian influenza (in soil and water).
Talking to TOI, an official at Kanpur zoo said around a dozen samples of soil and water had been sent to Bhopal lab for avian influenza confirmation.
“All protocols are being followed to ensure that influenza does not spread in other birds. As of now, all the birds currently at the zoo are healthy. However, a strict vigil is being maintained on their health. CCTV cameras have already been installed in the aviary to monitor the health of the birds round-the-clock,” he said.
Kanpur zoo has 100 staff members all of whom have been provided with PPE kits. The staff served food to wild animals and also ensured cleaning of enclosures while wearing PPE kits.
Animals are not being given chicken and are being provided buffalo meat as a precautionary measure.