Thiruvananthapuram: State govt confirmed that animals at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo were affected by a significant number of infectious diseases and deaths were also reported over the past one year, prompting intensified preventive and health management measures at the facility.Responding to a question in the assembly on Wednesday, animal husbandry and dairy development minister J Chinchu Rani informed the house that between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2025, a total of 142 cases of various infections were detected.
The minister also confirmed that animals were administered preventive vaccinations as part of disease control efforts. Addressing concerns over infection management, the minister detailed a series of measures currently being implemented to curb the spread of diseases within the zoo premises. Tuberculosis, identified as one of the major infections affecting zoo animals, poses a particular challenge as no definitive treatment is currently available for animals. To mitigate mortality, special monitoring and management steps were being carried out under the supervision of the zoo’s veterinary surgeon. Expert teams from State Institute for Animal Diseases, Palode, conducted two studies during periods when tuberculosis cases were reported and the recommendations from these studies were implemented, the minister said. In addition, animals are being provided regular immunisation against other diseases, along with season-specific care, including changes in feeding patterns during summer. Nutritional supplements are also being administered to improve overall health and boost immunity. The zoo deployed dedicated staff for disinfection, implemented biosecurity protocols prescribed by Central Zoo Authority, and is conducting regular health screenings of zoo staff in coordination with the health department. The govt maintained that these measures aim to strengthen disease prevention and ensure better health management of animals at the zoo.
