In view of Coronavirus authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have kept all zoos and wild life areas under high alert to watch the animals on 24×7 basis.
The order reads, “In view of the increased frequency of the Covid-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir, particular Kashmir region, also in wake of confirmation of SARS-Cov-2 (Covid-19) in A Tiger housed in Bronx Zoo, New York USA, all the zoos and wildlife areas have been kept under high alert to watch the animals on 24×7 basis.”
“Mammals like carnivores especially leopards, leopard cats and primates are potential threat of spread of the infection amongst the wild animals in the forest areas also transmission from humans to wild animals and vice versa,” order reads.
“However, it has come to light that in spite of enforcement of complete lockdown in place, people living in the fringes of forest and wildlife areas venture into these areas for collection of firewood, morels (gucchies) and other minor forest produce or even for recreational purposes,” it stated.
“It is advised that people in general and those living close to the forested and wildlife areas should refrain from moving into these areas thereby avoiding human-wildlife interface to prevent the possibility of transmission of this infection,” it said.
