Mysuru zoo on alert over glanders case

Mysuru Zoo is on alert following the detection of a case of glanders disease, a highly contagious infection that mainly affects equine species such as horses.

Zoo executive director Anusha said necessary precautionary measures have been taken in view of the disease reported at Mysore Race Club. Zoo keepers have been sensitised about how the disease spreads and the preventive steps required to protect equine species such as zebras housed at the zoo.

The entire zoo campus was sanitised on December 16, Tuesday, a day when the zoo remains closed to visitors. Necessary instructions have also been issued to food suppliers to ensure proper segregation of food items for various animal species.

Vehicles entering the zoo premises carrying food supplies will be thoroughly sanitised at the gates, she said, adding that necessary bio-security measures are in place.

A health advisory meeting was convened at the zoo on December 20, during which veterinarians discussed the disease and the precautions to be taken to prevent its spread.