Test report confirms bird flu as cause of lion Pataudi’s death

Kanpur: The test report of lion Pataudi, who died at Kanpur Zoo on Thursday, has confirmed H5N1 (avian influenza) infection, commonly known as bird flu, as the cause of death.Pataudi, a 15-year-old Asiatic lion, was shifted from Gorakhpur to Kanpur Zoo on May 11 for treatment after a tigress, Shakti, died there on May 7. She was also found to be suffering from bird flu after which an alert was sounded across the state.After the report from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed bird flu, surveillance has been heightened in the zoo. In view of the concerns regarding the spread of infection, the carcass was cremated in an electric crematorium with the entire process being videotaped.After Pataudi's death, a peacock was also found dead on the zoo premises, leading to increased monitoring.Forest ranger Naved Ikram said that Pataudi's samples were sent to NIHSAD, Bhopal, and the report, which arrived late Thursday night, confirmed H5N1. Additional samples were being sent to NIHSAD for further investigation."Currently, sanitisation is underway at the zoo which will remain closed till May 20. Staff members are following the protocol," he said.To determine the cause of the lion's death, the zoo administration had collected samples of its liver, intestines, nose, and saliva in the presence of Dr Nasir, Dr Bipin, and Dr Vivek Kumar. Two doctors from the animal husbandry department were also present during the process which was videotaped.Pataudi was initially relocated from Junagadh to Etawah Lion Safari on Sep 25, 2019. In 2021, he was transferred to Ashfaq Ullah Zoological Park in Gorakhpur. The lion was receiving treatment for pancreatic and liver infections.Two days before death, Pataudi only consumed water and did not eat. Medical professionals administered intravenous medications, and on Wednesday, animal husbandry department doctors conducted an examination.The zoo authorities have established a monitoring system to check for symptoms in other animals, particularly big cats and birds. Temperature checks are being conducted regularly, and any signs of illness are being reported. A team of veterinarians is conducting daily rounds to observe animal behaviour and eating patterns.Areas within a 10-kilometre radius of the zoo are under surveillance for any unusual bird deaths. Local authorities have alerted poultry farms in the vicinity to enhance their biosecurity measures."Special attention is being paid to the remaining big cats in the zoo and the sources of their food and water sources are being carefully monitored. Birds' section has been placed under heightened observation following the peacock's death," an official said.A detailed report of Pataudi's case history has been shared with other zoos across India as a preventive measure.Local wildlife authorities are conducting awareness programmes for zoo staff about avian influenza symptoms and prevention measures. The zoo's quarantine facility has been upgraded with additional safety features. A contingency plan has been developed to handle any further cases of infection."The zoo management is coordinating with the Central Zoo Authority for guidance on additional preventive measures. Environmental samples from various locations within the zoo are being collected for testing. The staff canteen and rest areas are being regularly sanitised to prevent any cross-contamination," a zoo official said.