Zoo will be reopened only if both mandatory tests return negative from Bhopal institute
PANAJI
With a fresh “inconclusive” positive test report for the Bondla Zoo indicating existence of the avian influenza strain, the Forest Department has decided to continue with the closure of the State’s only zoo, which is shut since April 1.
The zoo is undergoing a mandatory double-confirmation test by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal before reopening to the public. The two consecutive negative reports are required to re-open the zoo for visitors.
The zoo has been closed to the public since April 1 following the death of five animals – three civet cats and two jungle cats. Since then, the other animals were placed under quarantine for a period of 15 days.
Highly placed sources confirmed that a recent “inconclusive” positive test report for the Zoo, indicating the existence of avian influenza strain H5N1, has forced the department to continue with the closure of the zoo. “A fresh positive report from the Bhopal based institute…an inconclusive report was submitted and hence the department was not in position to reopen the zoo,” sources said.
Sources said that two consecutive negative test results are must for re-opening of the zoo. “This will take some time…till then the zoo will remain shut for visitors,” sources said.
As reported last month, H5N1 in two jungle cats was confirmed by the Goa Forest Department; however the reason for the deaths of three civet cats was not known.
Sources said that the department is following the standard operating procedure laid down by the Union ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying with regards to the H5N1 outbreak.
“The department cannot open the zoo unless the test results are negative,” sources said.
Meanwhile, the closure of the zoo has led to major revenue loss to the Forest Department as the summer vacation was the targeted period for high zoo footfall.
Sources said that the zoo has lost over Rs 1 lakh in April and the similar amount is expected in May month too.
