The National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has initiated random RT-PCR tests on bats at the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata to ascertain if they carry the Nipah virus. A team from NIMR gathered blood and swab samples from the bats at the zoo over two mornings. The samples were collected and the team departed at daybreak.
In an effort to trace the source of Nipah, bats in various areas of North 24 Parganas districts have also been tested using RT-PCR. The Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata, with a notable bat population, is a focal point for these tests. To dispel Nipah concerns, blood and swab samples from the bats have been sent for RT-PCR testing, with the National Institute of Virology (NIV) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) collaborating with the state health department.
To facilitate the testing, the state forest department has granted permission for bat collection, as per Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Sundriyal. An expert team is combing areas in the state where bats are present to gather samples, with the Alipore Zoo taking precautionary measures. The team completed its work at the zoo before opening hours to visitors.
Officials anticipate that it will take some days to confirm the safety of the bats at Alipore Zoo. Meanwhile, the expert team is scheduled to collect bat samples in Nadia district. This testing initiative follows the identification of two Nipah virus cases in West Bengal, involving two nurses currently receiving treatment at a private hospital after diagnosis at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), ICMR, AIIMS Kalyani.
