A Mumbai-based NGO has written to the authorities of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, raising serious concerns over biosafety measures and treatment protocols for captive wild animals housed inside the park. In a letter addressed to the Chief Conservator of Forests of SGNP, NGO PAWS-Mumbai alleged that there were gaps in infection-control practices while treating infected captive animals at the park. The NGO has demanded immediate implementation of strict biosafety and standard operating procedures inside the national park.

What PAWs says…

Sunish Subramanian Kunju, founder, PAWS-Mumbai
‘The disclosure of sensitive information could create unnecessary risks, and it highlighted possible lapses in infection-control measures during treatment of the animal. We have even asked whether infected animals were properly isolated and whether veterinary staff followed mandatory safety practices, including the use of protective clothing, disposal protocols, and disinfection procedures’