Patna Zoo may reopen for visitors in few days

PATNA: The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, known as Patna zoo, is likely to reopen for visitors in a few days as the latest report by National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) ruled out the presence of avian influenza in birds and other zoological samples sent for test earlier this month.
The zoo was shut on December 25 after NIHSAD at Bhopal and Regional Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL), Kolkata, confirmed that the six peafowls had died due to H5N1 virus.
This was the second successive report ruling out H5N1 virus in the samples sent from Patna zoo. As per standard operating protocol of the Union ministry of animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, civilians can be allowed at any place if two consecutive reports are negative for H5N1 virus.
“A third set of samples comprising swab, droppings and feathers of 26 birds as well as soil and water of Patna zoo were sent to NIHSAD on January 15 for H5N1 virus test. The reports of the sample arrived on Tuesday and they are negative,” zoo director Amit Kumar told this newspaper.
“The second set of samples sent to NIHSAD on December 31 had also tested negative. According to standard procedure, the next step will be to obtain a clearance certificate from state animal husbandry department before opening the zoo to general public. For this, a committee will be formed comprising members of state government, Patna zoo and animal husbandry department. We are working on this,” he said.
According to the inspection report presented by experts from Indian Veterinary Research Institute at Izatnagar in UP, the zoo can be reopened for visitors after 21 days from the last death of any bird in the park.
“Various measures have been taken to boost sanitation and prevent further contamination. Anti-infection medicine has been sprayed in the vicinity of hyena and leopard cage, hospital campus and grain storage. Blowgun firing is done near bird cage numbers 25, 26 and 27. The soil patch has been changed at a couple of places and lime powder is sprinkled on the ground,” Amit said.
Meanwhile, fitness enthusiasts and wildlife lovers are eagerly waiting for the zoo to reopen. “My husband and I are a regular at the zoo for morning walks. We have been going to Rajdhani Vatika since the zoo was closed. We are eagerly waiting for the zoo to reopen as it is more spacious and better suited for long walks,” said Putul, a resident of Anisabad.