Salmonella alert in other zoos of Karnataka

Reviewing the outbreak and panic caused by salmonella bacterial infection in tigers at Bannerghatta Biological Park, other zoos in Karnataka have called for an alert and are taking all precautionary measures for the upkeep of the animals.

To ensure the wellbeing of the tigers, veterinarians in other zoos have started preparing the medical chart of the big wild cats. They are also collecting blood and stool sample of the tigers for tests. Precautionary medication is also being administered.
According to Dr C Suresh Kumar, assistant director, Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore), the zoo is conducting checks on the health condition of the animals.

“We have taken double action after the BBP crises. The meat samples have been sent to the laboratory for tests and so are the blood samples. A thorough check-up of all the animals is being done. We are also in regular contact with BBP officials to know the course of treatment to be prepared beforehand. The visitors and also the caretakers are being asked to dip their feet in disinfectant before entering the zoo,” he said.

Dr Kumar added that the food was checked at five levels before being fed to the carnivores. “The meat is being checked by the contractor, zoo director, veterinarian, superintendents and then by the caretakers. The same procedure is also being followed for vegetables. Meat and all the items are washed with hot water and potassium permanganate, said Kumar.

Jayaprakash Bhandary, wildlife warden, Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Reserve, Pilukula Nisarga Dhama, said that extra care was being given to the animals. “We are maintaining hygiene. Special attention is being paid to cleanliness of the enclosures. We are also providing precautionary medication to the animals to avoid any infection here,” said Karanth.

There are eight zoos under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. They are Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore), Bannerghatta Biological Park (Bangalore), Children’s Park and Mini Zoo (Bellary), Mini Zoo (Kittur Rani Chennamma Nisargadhama, Bhutaramanahatti, Belgaum), Indira Priyadarshini Pranisangrahalaya (Anagod, Davangere), Children’s Park-Cum Mini Zoo in (Binkadakatti, Gadag), Children’s Park-Cum-Mini Zoo (Gulbarga), and Tiger and Lion Safari (Tyavarekoppa, Shimoga).