It is learnt that the Forest Department is yet to take a call on the reopening of the state’s only zoo – Bondla. The zoo has been closed to visitors following the death of five animals – three civet cats and two jungle cats.
The death of two jungle cats by H5N1 has been confirmed however the death of three civet cats is still unknown. It is learnt that samples have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animals Diseases at Bhopal for testing. Zoonotic diseases are caused by germs that spread between animals and people.
Bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi can cause them. These diseases include African Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, Foot and Mouth Disease and Rabies among others.
Bondla zoo is visited by several people every single day. Hence it is vital to make sure that the zoo is free from any communicable viral disease.
It would be prudent not to open the zoo till such time that the cause of the death of the three civet cats is investigated as it has been confirmed that the death of the two jungle cats was due to H5N1 virus.
