Samples of the carcass of the spot-billed pelican that was found dead in pond number 3 at the Mysuru zoo have tested negative for avian influenza H5N8.
The Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Bengaluru, tested the samples after the bird was found dead on Thursday. K. Kamala, the zoo’s executive director, told The Hindu , “Top officials of the Animal Husbandry Department, whom I met in Bengaluru during a meeting convened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said the samples have tested negative for H5N8. The death could be age related.”
The news will come as relief for the zoo management as the bird was found dead in the same pond where six other birds had died apparently because of H5N8.
High-level meet
Meanwhile, Mr. Siddaramaiah chaired a meeting with senior Forest and Animal Husbandry officials on Friday to discuss the bird flu outbreak at the zoo.
The principal secretaries to both departments, commissioners, directors and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) attended the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes. Ms. Kamala and Zoo Authority of Karnataka chairperson Mallige Veeresh too were present.
According to sources, the CM asked the officials whether protocol was being followed. He also directed them to send the bird samples once in 15 days, as directed by the Central Zoo Authority of India.
