The Hindu : Lung infection a worry

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 12, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

Lung infection a worry

By P. Oppili

CHENNAI APRIL 11 . Death of some endangered wildlife at the Children's Park, Guindy, because of lung infection is causing serious concern among the authorities.

From August last year, almost every month one species of endangered wildlife died and the death was caused by lung infection. The first casualty was a Common Langur, next was a Bengal Vulture in September. A Nilgiri Langur died in December and wild dog puppies followed in the months of December and January.

Wildlife veterinarians say that the animals develop chronic infection in the lungs, which cannot be identified easily by the veterinarians. There is no symptom of infection, which can be detected while conducting a check-up, they say. Similarly, the animal/mammal takes food as usual and does not show any sign of illness. But, they would collapse suddenly, say the veterinarians. Some of the animals gasped, giving an indication of chronic lung infection. The lungs of the wild dog puppies were found to be dark black in colour, apparently caused by pollution.

Once the infection was confirmed then antibiotics were mixed in the feed or the water, for the animal. At times, they also add vitamin-B complex tablets in the water as one of the important supportive treatments, provided to sick animals.

Poor water quality and polluted air are the two main factors, which claim the lives of animals, say the experts. As far as the Children's Park is concerned the water quality has improved considerably, after the wildlife authorities implemented a rainwater harvesting system, which helped in increasing both the water supply for the visitors and the animals, and their enclosures.

The main problem is the entry of different types of vehicles including two-wheelers, cars, vans and buses into the park. On an average 100 vehicles enter the premises during a normal day and the number multiplies during peak season — December, January, April, May and June. On a peak season day more than 500 vehicles enter the premises, which poses a major threat to the animals, say the experts.

Allowing of vehicles into the park has to be stopped immediately. Identifying an alternative site not far from the park is the main task.

Once this is completed, the animals can lead a peaceful, disease-free life.

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