The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Bio-security measures have been beefed up in the zoo after the death of lone rhea, a species of flightless ratite bird native to South America, said the Zoo authorities.

The rhea of the Dhaka National Zoo had died of enteritis, inflammation of the intestines. It did not die of bird flu infection, they said.

Kazi Fazlul Haq, Curator of the zoo, said, "The birdcages are being sprayed with antiseptic twice daily and the entire zoo has been sprayed as well."

Virkon, a type of antiseptic, is being sprayed at the entry and exit points of the zoo for the safety of visitors. Besides, protective bamboo fencing has been placed to keep people at a safe distance, he added.

The eight and a half year-old rhea, brought from Thailand, died on Sunday. As the bird was discharging nasal fluid, the authorities were panic-stricken over the possibility of spreading of avian flu in the zoo.

While visiting the Dhaka National Zoo, this correspondent found cautionary notices posted in front of a number of birdcages including cassowary (nearly related to Emu, which is found in New Guinea), peafowl and heron.

Prof Nazrul Islam of Department of Virology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical

University (BMSSU) said, "Bird flu spreads from paw pads, nasal discharge and faeces of infected birds through the air. If people come in contact with infected birds, they risk the chance of being infected with the virus through inhalation. Even if someone touches an infected bird and eats food with that hand, there is a possibility of getting infected."

Shafiqur Rahman, Animal Nutrition Officer of the Zoo, said, "Electrolyte, vitamins and minerals have been increased in the bird feed to strengthen their immune system. Even all the animals of the zoo have been vaccinated as part of the precaution."

While visiting the Zoo this correspondent found that the Zoo is under constant threat of contamination, as most of the cages where flightless birds are kept did not have any roof above. Various common local birds such as sparrow, 'shalik' or crow were freely entering and leaving the cages to feed on the grains served to the caged birds.

A total of 1,220 birds of more than 58 species housed at the Dhaka National Zoo are now under imminent danger of being infected with bird flu virus as 19,000 fowls were culled only a few days ago at the neighbouring Central Poultry Farm following detection of bird flu.

Birds that are susceptible to Avian Influenza need to be identified first and then bio-security measures should be enhanced in the entire zoo to save the precious birds, experts said.