Mysuru: The animals and birds at Mysuru zoo are safe said Mallige Veeresh, Chairperson, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).

Addressing media persons at the Mysuru Zoo premises here on Saturday, she said, “All the necessary measures have been taken to control the spreading of H5N8 and people in surrounding areas need not panic. The animals and birds in the zoo are safe and we are following the guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI). On Friday, during a meeting in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also directed the officials to take care of animals and birds and follow the instructions issued by the CZAI.

It can be brought to light that on Friday, Siddaramaiah had chaired a meeting with senior forest and animal husbandry officials to discuss about the bird flu outbreak at the zoo. The principal secretaries from both the departments, commissioners, directors and the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) attended the meeting.

Dr S M Byregowda, Director of Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, who also spoke on the occasion, said that the samples from the birds would be sent for testing every 15 days. Considering the incubation period of the virus in damp conditions, he ruled out the possibility of reopening of the zoo before February 2. He also appreciated the zoo authorities for taking prompt action following the results of the tests turning positive for H5N8. H5N8 incidence was also reported in New Delhi Zoo and the Zoo was closed for more than three months.

Kamala Karikalan, Executive Director of Mysuru Zoo said that an eagle eye has been kept at Karanji Lake. “Birds at Karanji Lake were under surveillance and the staff members are on their toes monitoring the birds to check for the possible symptoms of H5N8. She claimed that the H5N8 virus might have been carried by spot-billed pelicans that migrated from Kerala.