Chennai: Nine of the eleven captive lions at Arignar Anna Zoological park, at Vandalur close to Chennai have examined positive for SARS-CoV-2 an infection, as per an announcement issued by the zoo authorities. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the illness COVID-19.
Neela, a 9-year outdated lion housed within the zoo, died on Thursday night, after displaying some nasal discharge on Wednesday. Authorities keep that the lion was supplied remedy instantly after it displayed signs.
According to zoo authorities, it was on May 26 that 5 lions within the Animal House 1 of the Safari Park space had been reported to indicate lack of urge for food (anorexia) and occasional coughing. Following which, an in-house veterinary crew together with these from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) took rapid motion and provided remedy.
The blood samples and nasal swabs had been despatched to TANUVAS. While, rectal swab and fecal samples of the 11 lions had been despatched to National Institute of High Security Diseases (NIHSAD) Bhopal, which is among the many designated institutes to take up SARS COV-2 testing in captive animals.
As per the test outcomes, 9 of the 11 lions examined COVID-19 positive. In order to determine whether or not or not the reported outcomes are false positives or the animal might have died of different issues (comorbidities), additional samples have additionally been taken.
They had been despatched on Friday to the Indian Veterinary Research institute Bareilly and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad.
“All the lions which have tested positive are under close observation and on prescribed treatment regimen by the in-house veterinary team in close co-ordination with expert team from TANUVAS. All animal keepers and helpers for these animal houses are vaccinated against COVID-19. Separate set of animal keepers are engaged for each group of lions. PPE Kits are mandatory for the animal keepers, veterinary doctors and field staff visiting the area,” the assertion learn.
The Zoo authorities keep that they’ve been following the precautions points by the Central Zoo Authority, the Central and the State Governments infrequently. They additionally add that measures to stop ailments(prophylactic measures) are being undertaken for the completely different households of animals equivalent to felids (cats), mustelids (mammals of the weasel household), viverrids(small-medium mammals) and primates. These illness preventive steps are mentioned to be taken in session with consultants from TANUVAS, Veterinarians of Hyderabad Zoo and Bronx Zoo.
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