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Kolkata Zoo Bats Tested for Nipah Virus in State-Wide Surveillance Drive

The National Institute of Medical Research has begun random RT-PCR testing of bats at Kolkata's Alipore Zoological Garden to check for Nipah virus carriers. Samples were collected at dawn by a team before the zoo opened to visitors. This state-wide surveillance effort follows the recent detection of two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, both involving nurses currently undergoing treatment. The testing is a collaborative effort involving the ICMR, NIV, and state health and forest departments.

Key Points: Nipah Virus: Bat Samples Collected at Kolkata's Alipore Zoo

  • Random RT-PCR tests on zoo bats
  • Samples collected at dawn before visitors
  • State-wide sampling after two Nipah cases
  • Collaboration between health, forest and research bodies
2 min read

NIMR teams collect blood, swab samples from bats at Alipore Zoological Garden to check for Nipah virus

NIMR teams collect blood and swab samples from bats at Alipore Zoological Garden for Nipah virus RT-PCR testing amid recent cases in West Bengal.

NIMR teams collect blood, swab samples from bats at Alipore Zoological Garden to check for Nipah virus
"permission from the forest department is required to catch bats - Sandeep Sundriyal"

Kolkata, Jan 24

The National Institute of Medical Research has started conducting random RT-PCR tests among the bats at the Zoological Garden at Alipore in south Kolkata to check whether these animals are carriers of Nipah virus.

It was learnt on Saturday that a team from NIMR collected blood and swab samples from the bats at the zoo on Thursday and Friday mornings. The team collected the samples and left at the break of dawn.

To trace the source of Nipah, bats are being tested using RT-PCR in the state. Recently, some bats from the Madhyamgram, Barasat and Basirhat areas in North 24 Parganas districts have been tested. In Kolkata, the Alipore Zoological Garden is the only place with a significant bat population.

To allay Nipah fears, blood and swab samples have been collected from the bats at the zoo and sent for RT-PCR testing. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are conducting these tests in collaboration with the state health department. The state forest department is also assisting in this effort.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Sundriyal told a section of mediapersons that permission from the forest department is required to catch bats. The health department had requested permission, which was granted by the forest department.

The expert team is visiting areas across the state where bats are found, to collect samples. The zoo authorities have also taken precautionary measures. The gates of the Zoological Garden open for visitors at 9 am. However, the team completed their work and left the Zoo before that.

According to officials, it will take a few more days to determine whether the bats at Alipore Zoo are safe. On Saturday, the expert team is going to Nadia district to similarly collect bat samples.

The move came following the detection of two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Earlier this month, these two cases of Nipah virus disease were identified, at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), ICMR, AIIMS Kalyani in West Bengal. Both the affected persons are nurses and are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but why only now? We've known bats are carriers for years. Shouldn't there be a permanent, nationwide surveillance system for zoonotic diseases like Nipah and Kyasanur? Our response is always reactive, not preventive.
A
Arjun K
The teams working at the break of dawn shows they are trying to minimize disturbance. Important work. My prayers for the two nurses undergoing treatment. Healthcare workers are our true frontline warriors.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the inter-departmental coordination between health, forest, and ICMR. That's often where things break down. If this system works well for Nipah, it can be a model for other states.
V
Vikram M
As a Kolkata resident, this is reassuring. Alipore Zoo is a popular spot for families. Glad they are testing and taking precautions. Hope they also educate the public not to panic and to avoid contact with bats in the wild.
K
Karthik V
The article mentions they are going to Nadia next. This is a wide net being cast across the state. Timely detection is key. Kudos to the scientists and forest officials doing this fieldwork.

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