Zoos in India on High Alert

Context: Recently, Zoos in India are on high alert after the United States (USA) Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in a Tiger housed in the Bronx Zoo, New York.

Key Points

Taking cognizance, the Central Zoo Authority under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has advised Zoos in the country

• to remain on highest alertness, watch animals on 24X7 basis, using CCTV for any abnormal behavior/symptoms,
• keepers/handlers not to be allowed in the vicinity without safety gear preferably PPE (Personal Protective Equipment),
• Isolate & quarantine sick animals, and have least contact while providing feed to animals.
• The advisory further stated that Mammals like carnivores, especially cats, ferrets and primates to be carefully monitored.
• The fortnightly samples of suspect cases to be sent to the designated animal health institutes to initiate COVID-19 testing while following all bio-containment and safety measures required to handle this high-risk pathogen as per the national / ICMR.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment also issued an advisory to Chief Wildlife Wardens of all states and union territories. Here is what they are required to do:

• Take immediate preventive measures to stop the transmission and spread of the virus from humans to animals and vice versa, in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
• Reduce the human-wildlife interface.
• Restrict the movement of people to National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
• Constitute a Task Force/Rapid Action Force with Field Managers, Veterinary doctors, Frontline staff, to manage the situation as quickly as possible.
• Create a ‘round the clock’ reporting mechanism with a Nodal Officer for swift management of any cases noticed.
• Set up essential services for emergency treatment of animals and their safe release back to their natural habitats, as and when required.
• Enhance disease surveillance, mapping, and monitoring system through coordinated effort amongst various Departments.
• Maintain all other stipulations issued by the Health Ministry in the movement of staff/tourists/villagers, etc. in and around National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
• Report the action taken to the Ministry of Environment.

About Central Zoo Authority

• It is the body of the government of India under direct control of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is responsible for oversight of zoos.
• It has been constituted under the section 38A of Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.
• The Authority consists of a Chairman, ten members and a Member Secretary.

Objective: The main objective of the authority is to complement the national effort in conservation of wild life.

• Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos has been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992. Every zoo in the country is required to obtain recognition from the Authority for its operation.
• Since its inception in 1992, the Authority has evaluated 347 zoos, out of which 164 have been recognized and 183 refused recognition.
• It also regulates the exchange of animals of endangered category Listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act among zoos.
• Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is also approved by the Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits are issued by the competent authority.