The West Bengal Zoo Authority (WBZA) has stopped incorporating chicken into the diet of animals in state zoos as a preventive measure after the outbreak of bird flu. According to sources, eleven state-run zoos (including mini zoos) are instead using goat, lamb and pig meat for the animals that are following a carnivore diet.

This diet began in the first week of February as per the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority, and is expected to carry on till the end of March.

“Several measures are being taken for the bird flu season, such as not using chicken in diets, the spraying of pesticides, forbidding those feeding birds in rescue centres from feeding birds in the zoos, and regular handwashing. Prevention is better than cure,” said Saurabh Choudhury, member-secretary of WBZA while speaking with The Indian Express.

The move comes after the death of three tigers (one tiger and two tigress) and one leopard (female) due to the H5N1 or Avian Influenza (AI) virus at Gorewada Rescue Centre in Maharashtra’s Nagpur.

Earlier this year, the Government of India issued a red alert to all the zoos, rescue and transit centres in the country. After this, the Central Zoo Authority advised all zoos to be alert in detecting any symptoms among the animals.

Meanwhile, Karnataka’s health department has been on high alert after the virus’ outbreak in South India, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

As no zoo has a poultry farm of their own, they generally procure chicken from a local market. Tigers, lions, leopards, jackals, jaguars, and hyenas among others are offered meat in their daily diet. Predominantly, buffalo and chicken meat are provided. Some of the birds – now under strict watch — are also usually given meat.