City zoo takes precautionary measures amid bird flu scare

Patna: The Patna zoo administration has taken precautionary measures to prevent the spread of bird flu within the zoo premises. Following the death of 15 to 20 birds at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) campus, the health and forest departments have increased vigilance. As part of the measures, the zoo administration has made it mandatory for visitors to sanitise their shoes and vehicles before entering the zoo.Potassium permanganate is being sprayed at the main gates, and a footbath has been set up to sanitise visitors’ shoes before entry.The zoo administration said the safety of animals and birds is its top priority and that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.A zoo official said, “The zoo administration has now completely changed the entry system. Inspection and sanitisation of the shoes of all tourists visiting the zoo is mandatory. Tourists’ shoes and vehicle tyres will be scanned before entry. Potassium permanganate is being sprayed at both Gate 1 and Gate 2 of the zoo. Along with this, water is stored at the main entrance and potassium permanganate is mixed in it, so that the shoes of every person entering can be completely sanitised by spraying the mixture.”The administration said the purpose of these measures is to prevent any external infection from entering the zoo. Regular health checks of animals and birds housed in the zoo are being conducted, and staff have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance. Arrangements have also been made to immediately inform the concerned department if any abnormal activity or symptoms of illness are noticed among birds.The Patna Zoo administration further clarified that the steps have been taken not only for the safety of animals and birds inside the zoo, but also keeping public health in mind. The measures are aimed at ensuring that any potential infection does not spread outside the zoo and that no virus from outside enters the premises.