The Union Environment ministry on Monday asked all states and union territories to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of coronavirus from humans to animals and restrict the movement of people in various national parks and sanctuaries after a tiger at a US zoo tested positive for COVID-19.
The ministry issued an advisory to states and UTs, saying itis concerned that there are possibilities of spread of the virus among animalsin national parks and sanctuaries.
“In view of the spread of COVID-19 in the country and arecent news report on a tiger being infected with the COVID 19, it is felt thatthere are possibilities of spread of the virus amongst animals in NationalParks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves and also transmission of the virus from humansto animals and vice-versa.
“It is, therefore, imperative that States/UTs takeimmediate preventive measures to stop the transmission and spread of the virusfrom humans to animals and vice versa, in National Parks/Sanctuaries/TigerReserves. Reduce the human wildlife interface and restrict the movement ofpeople to National Parks/ Sanctuaries/ Tiger Reserves,” the ministry’sletter to the states said.
It also directed chief wildlife wardens of all states andUTs to constitute a task force or a Rapid Action Force with field managers,veterinary doctors, frontline staff, to manage the situation as quickly aspossible and create a ’round the clock’ reporting mechanism with a NodalOfficer for swift management of any cases noticed.
“Set up essential services for emergency treatment ofanimals and their safe release back to their natural habitats, as and whenrequired. Enhance disease surveillance, mapping and monitoring system throughcoordinated effort amongst various Departments.
“Maintain all other stipulations issued by the HealthMinistry in the movement of staff/tourists/villagers, etc. In and aroundNational Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves. Take other possible steps to controlthe spread of the virus and report the action taken to this Ministry,” itsaid.
The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on Monday asked all zoosacross the country to be on high alert and collect samples fortnightly in suspectedcases after a tiger at a US zoo tested positive for coronavirus.