Zoo deploys stringent health protocols, surveillance, rapid response team to tackle bird flu threat

As temperatures soar, the Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysuru Zoo, has stepped up its efforts to ensure the well-being of its animals by implementing various measures to mitigate heat stress.

With a focus on hydration, cooling systems and dietary adjustments, these initiatives aim to provide relief and maintain optimal health conditions for the Zoo’s diverse residents.

One of the primary strategies employed is the activation of water jets, foggers and sprinklers across all enclosures. These cooling systems help regulate temperatures and offer immediate relief from the sweltering heat.

Fruity solution

Special attention has been given to certain species, such as the Great Apes, which receive fresh tender coconuts twice a day. To enhance their comfort, fans and coolers have been installed in their night cells, creating a more bearable environment.

Primates, known for their sensitivity to extreme weather, are also provided with frozen fruits, fruit juices and fruit popsicles to keep them hydrated and refreshed.

Additionally, their diet has been modified to include hydrating foods like watermelon, muskmelon and cucumber, along with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration.

Ice to the rescue

Himalayan Black Bears, accustomed to colder climates, are being given ice blocks to help them stay cool, while herbivores have been provided with mud wallows where they can roll around and lower their body temperature naturally.

These thoughtful measures ensure that each species gets the care it needs to adapt to the summer conditions.

To monitor and manage the heat levels effectively, thermometers have been placed inside enclosures, helping caretakers track temperature fluctuations. Shaded resting areas have also been set up to give animals a respite from direct sunlight.

By integrating scientific solutions and species-specific care, the Zoo has made sure that they create a comfortable habitat even in this heat.

Strict measures to prevent spread of bird flu

Mysuru Zoo has ramped up its preventive measures to curb the spread of communicable diseases among captive animals at Zoo, Karanji Lake Nature Park and Chamundi Wildlife Conservation, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Koorgalli.

With a special focus on avian influenza (bird flu), stringent disinfection, surveillance and feeding protocols have been put in place.

To prevent contamination, disinfection dips have been installed at vehicle entry gates, ensuring all incoming vehicles carrying staff, officers, food and other supplies pass through a sanitisation path.

Similarly, disinfection foot dips have been placed at staff and visitor entry gates, as well as at individual enclosures to minimise cross-infection risks. The use of hand sanitisers has been mandated before and after handling animals, their waste and food materials.

Veterinary teams are conducting rigorous clinical surveillance, training Zookeepers to identify abnormal signs among animals. Personnel at Karanji Lake have been instructed to report any migratory bird  deaths immediately.

Serological surveillance

Additionally, serological surveillance (monitoring for antibodies against the avian influenza virus in blood samples to track disease spread) is being carried out for both captive and migratory birds based on scientific recommendations, while faecal samples from birds at the Zoo and Karanji Lake are being tested at the regional disease diagnostic laboratory.

A Rapid Response Team, comprising a veterinarian, lab technician and four keepers, has been formed to handle emergencies, ensuring swift containment of any outbreak and maintaining a disease-free environment within its premises.