Meet Bob the deer. Months-old fawn has adopted an Italian family living in the rolling hills of Tuscany on the outskirts of Florence. Italy is under a strict lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but the ban does not extend to animals and the young fawn appears to have adopted the family - especially its dog.

The deer that thinks it’s a dog: fawn adopts Italian family during covid lockdown

A Washington state sanctuary for chimpanzees once used for scientific research has scaled back its staffing and donned personal protective gear to avoid infecting the primates during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Chimpanzee sanctuary staff take steps to protect the animals against coronavirus

While Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is closed to the public due to coronavirus quarantine, animal care staff and veterinarians are onsite 24/7.

Penguins' field trip at Chicago Aquarium

The Berlinale film festival is set to award its top prizes on Saturday (February 29) - but one lucky team member has already received a special honorary "Palm Dog".

Top dog prize for Berlinale pooch

An emaciated lion in Colombia was transported on Thursday (February 27) to be closer to its 'mother' in a bid to save his life. Jupiter was rescued at a young age from a circus after a life of abuse. Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after video of him hugging his carer Ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Malnourished lion returns to woman who rescued him from circus abuse

The Chengdu Breeding and Research Base of Giant Pandas in southwest China's Sichuan Province have recently taken a video of cute giant panda and transmitted to the temporary hospital in central China's Wuhan City to satisfy their aspirations of seeing pandas and as an encouragement to the patients of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Cute panda videos cheer up coronavirus patients in Wuhan temporary hospital

At the Izu Shaboten Zoo, 60 kilometres south of Tokyo, a family of capybaras is treated to hot baths twice a day to cope with the long winters in Japan.

Capybaras chill out in hot spring baths

Berlin zoo's newly born twin panda cubs made their public debut on Wednesday, attracting flocks of visitors, who also expressed their concerns and best wishes to China's Wuhan City as it fights the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.

Berlin zoo's panda cubs make public debut five months after birth

Under a cloth tent on South Australia's Kangaroo Island, vet Lauren Eyre scraps burnt skin off a koala's paws on Sunday (January 19) as bushfires on the island continue to see the iconic marsupials arrive into the triage unit.

Australia's koalas treated for burns on Kangaroo island

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment.

"The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said.&nbsp;

Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week.

"Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added.

<h6><img alt="bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ad07dd2-b7b5-42f7-8009-d0575926fcca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_48.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy.&nbsp;

Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales.

Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. 
 
Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there."

Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone.

According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals.

CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="fire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca51075c-d1d2-4739-a4bf-53a181861be9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_37.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP</h6>

The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically.&nbsp;

In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control.

International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire.

The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-bushfires-unprecedented-rain-floods-parts-of-australian-east-coast-274966">After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed.

As part of the rescue efforts in Australia in the aftermath of Australian bushfires, the New South Wales (NWS) government has found a new way to ensure the animals that are seeking shelter remain fed. CNN reported that the operation, known as "Operation Rock Wallaby'' is part of a post-fire wildlife recovery programme, as iterated by Matt Kean, the Minister of Energy and Environment. "The provision of supplementary food is one of the key strategies we are deploying to promote the survival and recovery of endangered species like the brush-tailed rock-wallaby," Kean said. Officials claim that over 1,000 kilograms worth of sweet potatoes and carrots have been dropped in the last week. "Initial fire assessments indicate the habitat of several important brush-tailed rock-wallaby populations was burnt in the recent bushfires. The wallabies typically survive the fire itself, but are then left stranded with limited natural food as the fire takes out the vegetation around their rocky habitat", Kean added. Image: This photo taken on January 9, 2020 shows a rescued kangaroo being cared for by volunteers of wildlife rescue group WIRES, who are working to save and rehabilitate animals from the months-long bushfire disaster, on the outskirts of Sydney | AFP The key target of this drop is the brush-tailed rock wallabies. These are marsupials, like kangaroos that live on ''rocky escarpments, granite outcrops, and cliffs'', as per the Australian Department of Environment and Energy. Department data added that out of the 15 species in Australia, many can no longer be seen and are now perceived as threatened. They are endangered in New South Wales. Nearly hundreds of bushfires in Australia have wiped out livelihoods, animals, and infrastructure. The fires were brought under control only very recently. Kean said, "When we can, we are also setting up cameras to monitor the uptake of the food and the number and variety of animals there." Over half a billion animals have been affected by the bushfire damage in New South Wales alone. According to the University of Sydney, millions of animals could be possibly dead. These include birds, reptiles and mammals. CNN reported that the total number of animals affected by the wildfire damage could be as high as a billion, according to Christopher Dickman, an ecologist at the University of Sydney. Image: This photo taken on January 16, 2020 shows an Australian Defence Force helicopter taking off on Kangaroo Island as part of the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to assist in bushfire-affected areas after they ravaged the island off of the south coast of Australia | AFP The NWS government is planning to continue dropping food until the natural supply of resources like food and water is restored organically. In the Australian east coast, thunderstorms are now ravaging the disastrous remains of the bushfires. At one point, there were more than 100 bushfires in the country alone, which were recently brought under control. International response to the bushfire crisis has contributed to controlling the mega blaze. Recently, specialists from countries like Japan and the United States joined local fire teams to help control the fire. The Defence Force of New Zealand recently announced the dispatch of more reinforcements from to Australia. Also read: After bushfires, unprecedented rain floods parts of Australian east coast (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Authorities dropping food from helicopters to feed bushfire-ravaged animals

Bushfires in Australia are having a devastating impact on wildlife, with welfare groups racing to rescue as many wild animals as possible. But not all can be saved.

Not all animals injured in bushfires can be saved: Australian volunteers

The ducks on a small French smallholding may carry on quacking, a French court ruled on Tuesday (November 19), rejecting a neighbour's complaint that the birds' racket was making their life a misery.

'The ducks have won': French court says they may keep on quacking

As fires flared in the Australian state of New South Wales on Friday (November 8), carers at the mid-north coast Port Macquarie Koala Hospital continued to nurse koalas rescued from the fire zone.

Rescuers tend to burnt koalas in Australia

An Alaska law promoting fossil fuel development infringes on the constitutional rights of young residents to a healthy environment, a lawyer told Alaska Supreme Court justices on Wednesday.

Alaska Supreme Court hears climate change lawsuit

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers.

Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats.

A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said.

"We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone.

Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found.

He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area.

"We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said.

He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old.

Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land.

Four elephants were found dead Friday in central Sri Lanka, with police suspecting the animals were poisoned by angry villagers. Nearly 200 elephants are killed every year on the island, many by farmers after the animals stray onto their land. Marauding elephants also claim the lives of about 50 people annually, mostly by trampling through villages built near their habitats. A pregnant female and a male were among the four carcasses found on Friday at a forest reserve near Sigiriya, a fifth-century rock fortress and UNESCO-protected heritage site, police said. "We have called wildlife experts and vets to carry out autopsies," a police official in Sigiriya, 175 kilometres (110 miles) north of Colombo, said by telephone. Other elephants may also have died but no further remains have yet been found. He said there had been a spate of incidents involving wild elephants storming villages and destroying crops in the area. "We suspect the elephants may have been poisoned. We are investigating," the officer said. He said the four animals appeared to be aged between 15 and 25 years old. Killing an elephant is in theory punishable by death in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's elephant population has dwindled to just over 7,000, according to the latest census, down from an estimated 12,000 at the beginning of the last century.

Four Sri Lankan elephants found dead of suspected poisoning

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday.

The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

"The prevalence of heavy or obese dogs is more than twice as large among overweight or obese owners (35 per cent) than among owners who are slim or of normal weight (14 per cent)," the researchers said.

Of the 268 dogs studied, 20 per cent were overweight.

Average-weight owners tend to use treats for training purposes while overweight owners prefer to provide treats in convivial situations, "for example, when a person is relaxing on the couch and shares the last bites of a sandwich or a cookie with their dog," the study's main author, Charlotte Bjornvad, said.

In developed countries, 34 to 59 per cent of dogs are overweight or obese, which can reduce their life expectancy and mobility or cause diabetes and cardiac disease just like in humans, another international team of researchers found in 2016.

On average, overweight dogs live 1.3 years less than dogs on restrictive diets.

The University of Copenhagen study also showed that castration tripled the risk of being heavy or obese.

"Castration seems to decrease the ability to regulate the appetite in male dogs and at the same time, it might also decrease the incentive to exercise which results in an increased risk of becoming overweight," Bjornvad said.

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday. The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

Overweight people are more likely to have overweight dogs, partly because they are more likely to feed them treats, Danish researchers said Wednesday. The study by the University of Copenhagen lends credence to the saying "like an owner, like a dog", the scientists wrote in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine. "The prevalence of heavy or obese dogs is more than twice as large among overweight or obese owners (35 per cent) than among owners who are slim or of normal weight (14 per cent)," the researchers said. Of the 268 dogs studied, 20 per cent were overweight. Average-weight owners tend to use treats for training purposes while overweight owners prefer to provide treats in convivial situations, "for example, when a person is relaxing on the couch and shares the last bites of a sandwich or a cookie with their dog," the study's main author, Charlotte Bjornvad, said. In developed countries, 34 to 59 per cent of dogs are overweight or obese, which can reduce their life expectancy and mobility or cause diabetes and cardiac disease just like in humans, another international team of researchers found in 2016. On average, overweight dogs live 1.3 years less than dogs on restrictive diets. The University of Copenhagen study also showed that castration tripled the risk of being heavy or obese. "Castration seems to decrease the ability to regulate the appetite in male dogs and at the same time, it might also decrease the incentive to exercise which results in an increased risk of becoming overweight," Bjornvad said.

Overweight people more likely to have overweight dogs: Study

The tiny victims of Bolivia's raging wildfires have taken some respite in this animal shelter in Aguas Calientes.

'Noah's Ark' in Bolivia rescues animals fleeing wildfires

Eleven-year-old Bess waits patiently to be immersed in water just a little cooler than her body temperature.

Her hydrotherapy session will last only 17 minutes but it does wonders for this arthritis sufferer. Bess is a cat.

To ease her joint pain, the Maine Coon, a touch overweight at 21 pounds (10 kilograms), is taken every week to the Friendship Hospital for Animals, a veterinary clinic on a pleasant Washington street.

Beyond traditional veterinary treatment, the clinic offers forms of care once reserved for humans, such as acupuncture and therapeutic ultrasound.

Pets are now increasingly seen as genuine family members, said Christine Klippen, one of the 63 veterinarians who are available at the clinic every day of the year.

And this is particularly true for millennials, she said, who see themselves as moms and dads to their "fur babies."

Given the higher incomes in the US capital, they often seek out the best pet care available.

In the United States, 84.9 million households, or 68 per cent, have a pet, according to Steve King, head of the American Pet Products Association.

"Millennials are the largest pet-owning demographic among all generations," he said, and have surpassed the postwar Baby Boom generation.

Last year, consumer spending on pets hit a record $72.6 billion and the APPA expects this will rise to $75.4 billion in 2019.

Health care spending is the fastest-rising category as pet owners learn about available treatments.

"There's less pushback than there was," said Brant Hassell, a veterinarian practising at the District Veterinary Hospital.

"These dogs are a lot of people's first children," he said.

"If I say, 'Oh, my goodness. This dog has a loose tooth,' they're just like, 'my baby!'"

Back at Friendship Hospital, Bess the cat walks on an underwater treadmill, the water up to her whiskers, the pace slow and regular as a metronome.

But to keep up, Bella, a "senior" dog, needed a little extra motivation in the form of peanut butter.

"We are more selective with food when they're overweight," said Janay Austin-Carlson, a rehabilitation practitioner.

Walking in water creates greater resistance to movement, making exercise more effective.

"One minute in here is much harder than one minute outside," she said.

Given Washington's often oppressive summertime heat, where temperatures can easily hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and humidity rises to 70 per cent, the animals can also exercise in relative comfort.

"We can play with the speed, the water level," said Austin-Carlson. "All those things create different dynamics."

$15,000 for dialysis

Bella's "mom," 45-year-old Freya Jackson, says hydrotherapy has been a godsend.

"When she comes, she's usually tired afterwards and needs a long nap. But the day after you can really see she could move around more freely," said Jackson.

Still, Bella's fitness regime is not exactly free: A 20-minute hydrotherapy session runs to $89 and comes after 15 minutes of laser therapy at $65.

And Bella has stuck to this weekly routine for a year.

Jackson said having a healthy dog helps her own exercise habits and, given that she has no children, the expense fits her budget.

"I'm investing in myself to stay fit and healthy and be able to run around," she said. "It is a part of my wellbeing."

Pet owners are generally healthier people, coping better with conditions such as autism, dementia and cardiovascular disease, according to studies funded by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute.

Having a dog or cat in the house typically lowers blood pressure and children may suffer less frequently from allergies.

Generally, pets improve mental health, according to Klippen of the Friendship Hospital.

"Because we view our pets in a more human way it is no longer meaningful enough for us to simply give them a biscuit," said King of the APPA.

And some pet owners are ready to spare no expense: Dialysis can run between $12,000 and $15,000 while the price tag on orthopaedic surgery ranges from $5,000 to $7,000.&nbsp;

But humanizing pets can involve controversial or even dangerous health practices such as needlessly imposing grain or gluten-free diets on animals.&nbsp;

This simply does not suit their nutritional needs and can cause premature death, according to Klippen.

In the meantime, US authorities say they have begun scrutinizing potential ties between such popular, newfangled diets and the prevalence of heart disease in dogs.

Eleven-year-old Bess waits patiently to be immersed in water just a little cooler than her body temperature. Her hydrotherapy session will last only 17 minutes but it does wonders for this arthritis sufferer.

Eleven-year-old Bess waits patiently to be immersed in water just a little cooler than her body temperature. Her hydrotherapy session will last only 17 minutes but it does wonders for this arthritis sufferer. Bess is a cat. To ease her joint pain, the Maine Coon, a touch overweight at 21 pounds (10 kilograms), is taken every week to the Friendship Hospital for Animals, a veterinary clinic on a pleasant Washington street. Beyond traditional veterinary treatment, the clinic offers forms of care once reserved for humans, such as acupuncture and therapeutic ultrasound. Pets are now increasingly seen as genuine family members, said Christine Klippen, one of the 63 veterinarians who are available at the clinic every day of the year. And this is particularly true for millennials, she said, who see themselves as moms and dads to their "fur babies." Given the higher incomes in the US capital, they often seek out the best pet care available. In the United States, 84.9 million households, or 68 per cent, have a pet, according to Steve King, head of the American Pet Products Association. "Millennials are the largest pet-owning demographic among all generations," he said, and have surpassed the postwar Baby Boom generation. Last year, consumer spending on pets hit a record $72.6 billion and the APPA expects this will rise to $75.4 billion in 2019. Health care spending is the fastest-rising category as pet owners learn about available treatments. "There's less pushback than there was," said Brant Hassell, a veterinarian practising at the District Veterinary Hospital. "These dogs are a lot of people's first children," he said. "If I say, 'Oh, my goodness. This dog has a loose tooth,' they're just like, 'my baby!'" Back at Friendship Hospital, Bess the cat walks on an underwater treadmill, the water up to her whiskers, the pace slow and regular as a metronome. But to keep up, Bella, a "senior" dog, needed a little extra motivation in the form of peanut butter. "We are more selective with food when they're overweight," said Janay Austin-Carlson, a rehabilitation practitioner. Walking in water creates greater resistance to movement, making exercise more effective. "One minute in here is much harder than one minute outside," she said. Given Washington's often oppressive summertime heat, where temperatures can easily hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and humidity rises to 70 per cent, the animals can also exercise in relative comfort. "We can play with the speed, the water level," said Austin-Carlson. "All those things create different dynamics." $15,000 for dialysis Bella's "mom," 45-year-old Freya Jackson, says hydrotherapy has been a godsend. "When she comes, she's usually tired afterwards and needs a long nap. But the day after you can really see she could move around more freely," said Jackson. Still, Bella's fitness regime is not exactly free: A 20-minute hydrotherapy session runs to $89 and comes after 15 minutes of laser therapy at $65. And Bella has stuck to this weekly routine for a year. Jackson said having a healthy dog helps her own exercise habits and, given that she has no children, the expense fits her budget. "I'm investing in myself to stay fit and healthy and be able to run around," she said. "It is a part of my wellbeing." Pet owners are generally healthier people, coping better with conditions such as autism, dementia and cardiovascular disease, according to studies funded by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. Having a dog or cat in the house typically lowers blood pressure and children may suffer less frequently from allergies. Generally, pets improve mental health, according to Klippen of the Friendship Hospital. "Because we view our pets in a more human way it is no longer meaningful enough for us to simply give them a biscuit," said King of the APPA. And some pet owners are ready to spare no expense: Dialysis can run between $12,000 and $15,000 while the price tag on orthopaedic surgery ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. But humanizing pets can involve controversial or even dangerous health practices such as needlessly imposing grain or gluten-free diets on animals. This simply does not suit their nutritional needs and can cause premature death, according to Klippen. In the meantime, US authorities say they have begun scrutinizing potential ties between such popular, newfangled diets and the prevalence of heart disease in dogs.

Pets in America now get human treatment

Poland celebrated International Tiger Day on Monday with a number of educational events at zoos highlighting the importance of the conservation of the endangered animal.

Polish zoos celebrate International Tiger Day

Nine lions that were confiscated by Hungarian authorities from an illegal zoo near Budapest have been moved to a bear farm in Veresegyhaz.

Rescued lions taken to bear farm in Hungary

Nenette, one of the oldest Borneo orangutans held in captivity celebrated her 50th birthday at a zoo in Paris, where she has lived almost all her life.

Orangutan painter celebrates 50th birthday

A ground-breaking study which combines ecology, astrophysics and drone technology is being used to track orangutans. Borneo's orangutan population has declined from 230,000 to an estimated 104,000 over the last century - making the species critically-endangered according to WWF.

Ground-breaking study to track orangutans

Authorities in Nepal have planned to fit electronic chips on animals including cows and oxen to keep a record of loitering cattle in Kathmandu, a media report said Sunday.

The chips may be installed on the ear or neck of an animal, The Kathmandu Post reported.

"We will have a control room to monitor those animals," Dhanapati Sapkota, chief of the Implementation Department at the metropolis, said.

He said his office is planning to maintain a database of households that keep animals such as cows and calves.

The metropolis held a meeting with officials from Animal Nepal, a non-profit organisation working to set a standard of animal welfare.

"We'll be helping the metropolis for the installation of chips and handling the data," said Bishnu Prasad Joshi, former chief of the municipal police.

The metropolis has been consulting with other organisations as well and seeking technical consultancy to curb the problem of stray cattle.

"The metropolis had started a drive two decades ago of lifting animals from the streets and auctioning them but the problem has yet to be resolved.&nbsp;With this new initiative, we'll be able to root the problem out," said Sapkota.

Over 10,000 such animals have been auctioned in the past two decades, he said.

Joshi said the reason behind the lack of progress was the metropolis not having a shelter for loitering animals.

"Since we don't have a good Kanji (animal care) house, many stray animals, which were already sick, died in Teku last year," said Joshi.

Due to the ill-health of animals, people were not interested in buying them, he said.

Sapkota is hopeful that the new dive will be successful.

Reports show that 500 animals, including oxen and cows that do not give milk, are left on the streets of Kathmandu every year.

Sick animals are also abandoned by their owners.

These animals not only occupy the roads, they also cause accidents.

The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division had planned to search for the owners of abandoned cattle and fine them but not a single owner has been booked so far.

Authorities in Nepal have planned to fit electronic chips on animals including cows and oxen to keep a record of loitering cattle in Kathmandu, a media report said Sunday.

Authorities in Nepal have planned to fit electronic chips on animals including cows and oxen to keep a record of loitering cattle in Kathmandu, a media report said Sunday. The chips may be installed on the ear or neck of an animal, The Kathmandu Post reported. "We will have a control room to monitor those animals," Dhanapati Sapkota, chief of the Implementation Department at the metropolis, said. He said his office is planning to maintain a database of households that keep animals such as cows and calves. The metropolis held a meeting with officials from Animal Nepal, a non-profit organisation working to set a standard of animal welfare. "We'll be helping the metropolis for the installation of chips and handling the data," said Bishnu Prasad Joshi, former chief of the municipal police. The metropolis has been consulting with other organisations as well and seeking technical consultancy to curb the problem of stray cattle. "The metropolis had started a drive two decades ago of lifting animals from the streets and auctioning them but the problem has yet to be resolved. With this new initiative, we'll be able to root the problem out," said Sapkota. Over 10,000 such animals have been auctioned in the past two decades, he said. Joshi said the reason behind the lack of progress was the metropolis not having a shelter for loitering animals. "Since we don't have a good Kanji (animal care) house, many stray animals, which were already sick, died in Teku last year," said Joshi. Due to the ill-health of animals, people were not interested in buying them, he said. Sapkota is hopeful that the new dive will be successful. Reports show that 500 animals, including oxen and cows that do not give milk, are left on the streets of Kathmandu every year. Sick animals are also abandoned by their owners. These animals not only occupy the roads, they also cause accidents. The Metropolitan Traffic Police Division had planned to search for the owners of abandoned cattle and fine them but not a single owner has been booked so far.

Nepal to fix electronic chips on animals to monitor them

Japan has given the green light to a controversial research process involving implanting animals with human stem cells that could eventually help grow human organs for transplant inside animal hosts.

The decision by the education and science ministry Friday to revise its guidelines means Japanese researchers can now apply for permits to carry out studies employing the technique, a ministry official told AFP.

The process involves implanting embryonic animals, likely first pigs, with human "induced pluripotent stem" (iPS) cells, which can transform into the building blocks of any part of the body.

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The idea is for the iPS cells to grow into transplantable human organs inside the animal embryos.

Japan had previously required researchers to terminate animal embryos implanted with human cells after 14 days "due to ethical concerns over the vague line between human beings and animals," the official said.

The old regulations also prevented researchers from placing the embryos into animal wombs to allow them to develop.

But the ministry has dropped both restrictions "as we have concluded that there is technically zero risks of producing a new organism mixing human and animal elements under the research," the official added.

Researchers will now, for instance, be allowed to create animal embryos with a human pancreas and transplant it into the womb of a pig, which could, in theory, result in the birth of a baby pig with a human pancreas.

In practice, where similar research has been carried elsewhere, the embryos have been terminated before delivery, avoiding the thorny moral issues raised by creating creatures that contain both human and animal cells.

Research involving the hybrids sometimes called "chimeras" -- after the monster in Greek mythology with a lion's head, goat's body and dragon's tail -- has been controversial elsewhere too.

Ethical questions have been raised about the status of animals containing human cells, and whether human iPS cells implanted into animals could develop into brain matter or reproductive organs.

But a shortage of transplantable human organs means researchers around the world are racing to create mixed human-animal embryos.

Japan has given the green light to a controversial research process involving implanting animals with human stem cells that could eventually help grow human organs for transplant inside animal hosts.

Japan has given the green light to a controversial research process involving implanting animals with human stem cells that could eventually help grow human organs for transplant inside animal hosts. The decision by the education and science ministry Friday to revise its guidelines means Japanese researchers can now apply for permits to carry out studies employing the technique, a ministry official told AFP. The process involves implanting embryonic animals, likely first pigs, with human "induced pluripotent stem" (iPS) cells, which can transform into the building blocks of any part of the body. The process involves implanting embryonic animals, likely first pigs, with human 'induced pluripotent stem' (iPS) cells, which can transform into the building blocks of any part of the body × The idea is for the iPS cells to grow into transplantable human organs inside the animal embryos. Japan had previously required researchers to terminate animal embryos implanted with human cells after 14 days "due to ethical concerns over the vague line between human beings and animals," the official said. The old regulations also prevented researchers from placing the embryos into animal wombs to allow them to develop. But the ministry has dropped both restrictions "as we have concluded that there is technically zero risks of producing a new organism mixing human and animal elements under the research," the official added. Researchers will now, for instance, be allowed to create animal embryos with a human pancreas and transplant it into the womb of a pig, which could, in theory, result in the birth of a baby pig with a human pancreas. In practice, where similar research has been carried elsewhere, the embryos have been terminated before delivery, avoiding the thorny moral issues raised by creating creatures that contain both human and animal cells. Research involving the hybrids sometimes called "chimeras" -- after the monster in Greek mythology with a lion's head, goat's body and dragon's tail -- has been controversial elsewhere too. Ethical questions have been raised about the status of animals containing human cells, and whether human iPS cells implanted into animals could develop into brain matter or reproductive organs. But a shortage of transplantable human organs means researchers around the world are racing to create mixed human-animal embryos.

Japan okays research using human cells in animals

Animal hotel, shelter in Egypt gives pets, strays safe place to stay

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. 
 
Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. 
 
Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew.

"The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. 
 
The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. 
 
"The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said.

Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew. "The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. "The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said. Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle takes royal roles at UK charities for women and animals

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction.

After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today.

On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold.

The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth.&nbsp;

"It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP.

"It felt like we are part of something big."

Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity.&nbsp;

More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle.

"It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks.&nbsp;

These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected.

Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens.

The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected.

"We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike."

'Our wealth'&nbsp;

Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors.

A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger.

In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010.&nbsp;

Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains.&nbsp;

In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. &nbsp;

"Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group.

"People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us."

Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers.

The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious.

Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations.

In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones.

The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine.

In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target.

"If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung.

But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts.

Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed.

"It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance.

Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." 'Our wealth' Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari.

Crouching tigers, hidden cameras: Nepal counts its big cats

Unbridled consumption has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/rising-mercury-levels-in-india-posing-threat-to-indias-wildlife--138386">decimated global wildlife</a>, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-23-asiatic-lions-die-in-gir-forest-five-from-rare-virus-169713">wiped out</a> by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe.

"The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP.

"The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening."

For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period.

Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years.&nbsp;

Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence.

Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest.

The great acceleration

Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. &nbsp;

"The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report.

"Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible."

For corals, it may already be too late.

Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life.

Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent.

A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month.&nbsp;

Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles.

"If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said.

But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged.&nbsp;

"Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview.&nbsp;

"It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything."

'New deal' for nature 
The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man".

In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration.

"We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty.

"One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said.

Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year.

"A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini.

The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible.

The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said.

"The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday.

Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction and exhausted Earth's capacity to accommodate humanity's expanding appetites, the conservation group WWF warned Tuesday. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone -- fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals -- were wiped out by human activity, according to WWF's "Living Planet" report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. "The situation is really bad, and it keeps getting worse," WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP. "The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening." For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period. Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years. Depending on which of Earth's lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earth's chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest. The great acceleration Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. "The statistics are scary," said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report. "Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible." For corals, it may already be too late. Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globe's shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) -- mission impossible, according to some scientists -- coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent. A 2C world would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month. Half-a-century of conservation efforts have scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles. "If we didn't make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse," Lambertini said. But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitat, pollution, illegal trade and climate change -- all caused by humans -- has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged. "Scientists call it the 'great acceleration'," he said in a phone interview. "It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics –- everything." 'New deal' for nature The pace of population increase -- long taboo in development and conservation circles -- also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the "gold spike," or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or "age of man". In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration. "We need a new global deal for nature," said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty. "One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears," he said. Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted -- drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil -- are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year. "A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life," said Lambertini. The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said. "The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature."

In 44 years, humans have wiped out 60% of the world's animal population: WWF

In the wake of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, which has claimed 13 lives until now, the Bihar government, Sikkim health department, Madhya Pradesh Health Ministry, and Pudducherry collector office have issued advisories urging the people of their respective states to take precaution against the disease.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans.

The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.

The Sikkim health department has issued an advisory urging the people to take precaution. "Though there is minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, but the people need to take precaution," it said in an advisory yesterday in the wake of Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

The Bihar, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh governments also issued advisories against Nipah virus and have urged people to take precautions.

Nipah virus, spread by fruit bats, causes communicable disease and can be fatal for both animals and humans

In the wake of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, which has claimed 13 lives until now, the Bihar government, Sikkim health department, Madhya Pradesh Health Ministry, and Pudducherry collector office have issued advisories urging the people of their respective states to take precaution against the disease. The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours. The Sikkim health department has issued an advisory urging the people to take precaution. "Though there is minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, but the people need to take precaution," it said in an advisory yesterday in the wake of Nipah outbreak in Kerala. The Bihar, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh governments also issued advisories against Nipah virus and have urged people to take precautions.

Nipah virus: Bihar, Sikkim, MP, Puducherry issue advisories for people

There is an outbreak of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-put-on-high-alert-after-rare-nipah-virus-kills-9-138503">rare and deadly disease in Kerala</a> called Nipah virus (NiV) which has taken lives of 10 people in the last two weeks. There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and its reported outbreak has resulted in a panic situation in the city.

What is Nipah virus?

Nipah virus (NiV) infection originally emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999 which causes diseases in both humans and animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. It is also closely related to Hendra virus.

It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.&nbsp;

In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats, the WHO says on its website. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, WHO informed.&nbsp;

How is Nipah virus transmitted?

WHO says that the virus spreads through fruit bats or 'flying boxes'of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids.

In Malaysia and Singapore, human were affected with the virus when they came in contact with the excretions or secretions of infected pigs. Reports from outbreaks in Bangladesh suggest transmission from bats in the process of drinking raw palm sap contaminated with bat excrement or climbing trees coated in the same.

Symptoms of Nipah virus&nbsp;

NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitic syndrome marked by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death.

Treatment for Nipah virus

While there is no vaccine for either humans or animals, the primary care that humans can undergo is intensive supportive care, the WHO says.&nbsp;

Although, a vaccine is being created. A recombinant sub-unit vaccine formulation protects against lethal Nipah virus challenge in cats. ALVAC Canarypox vectored Nipah F and G vaccine appears to be a promising vaccine for swine and has potential as a vaccine for humans, WHO adds.

There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and is a newly emerging virus, which gets transferred from animals to humans

There is an outbreak of a rare and deadly disease in Kerala called Nipah virus (NiV) which has taken lives of 10 people in the last two weeks. There is no specific treatment for the ‘rare and deadly’ virus and its reported outbreak has resulted in a panic situation in the city. What is Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) infection originally emerged in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999 which causes diseases in both humans and animals. The natural host of the virus is fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. It is also closely related to Hendra virus. It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans became infected with NiV as a result of consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats, the WHO says on its website. Human-to-human transmission has also been documented, WHO informed. How is Nipah virus transmitted? WHO says that the virus spreads through fruit bats or 'flying boxes'of the genus Pteropus, who are natural reservoir hosts of the Nipah and Hendra viruses. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. In Malaysia and Singapore, human were affected with the virus when they came in contact with the excretions or secretions of infected pigs. Reports from outbreaks in Bangladesh suggest transmission from bats in the process of drinking raw palm sap contaminated with bat excrement or climbing trees coated in the same. Symptoms of Nipah virus NiV infection in humans has a range of clinical presentations, from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitic syndrome marked by fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation, mental confusion, coma, and potentially death. Treatment for Nipah virus While there is no vaccine for either humans or animals, the primary care that humans can undergo is intensive supportive care, the WHO says. Although, a vaccine is being created. A recombinant sub-unit vaccine formulation protects against lethal Nipah virus challenge in cats. ALVAC Canarypox vectored Nipah F and G vaccine appears to be a promising vaccine for swine and has potential as a vaccine for humans, WHO adds.

What is the Nipah virus?

After humans successfully found their mate online, the zoos are also delving into the world of online dating.

Earlier, animals which had no option than to be dependent&nbsp;on their zookeepers to find them a mate will now have a new database running on the same principles as Tinder or OkCupid.

The Zoological Information Management System takes the guesswork out of animal attraction and helps promote genetic variety.

According to reports, more than a thousand paper studbook animal records are in the process of being added to the database, which covers 22,000 species.&nbsp;

The data transfer is due to take around two years.

Tigers, lemurs, and gorillas are among the animals to have benefitted already.

This new system covers every information including its origin, family backgrounds, food they eat- almost similar to humans when they sign in on a dating app.

It also covers information related to their medical histories, which humans generally don&#39;t share.&nbsp;

The only difference would be that animals won&#39;t get the chance to turn down a date till the zookeepers decide that an animal has to go elsewhere for mating.

Rare animals can now have profiles uploaded to a global database

After humans successfully found their mate online, the zoos are also delving into the world of online dating. Earlier, animals which had no option than to be dependent on their zookeepers to find them a mate will now have a new database running on the same principles as Tinder or OkCupid. The Zoological Information Management System takes the guesswork out of animal attraction and helps promote genetic variety. According to reports, more than a thousand paper studbook animal records are in the process of being added to the database, which covers 22,000 species. The data transfer is due to take around two years. Tigers, lemurs, and gorillas are among the animals to have benefitted already. This new system covers every information including its origin, family backgrounds, food they eat- almost similar to humans when they sign in on a dating app. It also covers information related to their medical histories, which humans generally don't share. The only difference would be that animals won't get the chance to turn down a date till the zookeepers decide that an animal has to go elsewhere for mating.

Is technology helping animals to hook up?

animals

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