Imaging procedures must be used on sick animals more: Vardhan

Imaging procedures such as CT scan or MRI should be used more for diagnosis of diseases in animals, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said today and stressed on the need to equip zoo veterinarians with enhanced skills and resources.
Vardhan made the comments while inaugurating a training workshop for the veterinarians of Delhi Zoo, involving experts from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington.
"Advancements such as CT (Computed Tomography) scan and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) must be used for the benefit of animals," he said.
These are procedures used to scan abnormalities in internal organs.
Veterinarians at zoos are generally responsible for the diagnosis of diseases in wild animals kept in captivity, their treatment, nutrition and diet and for taking measures for preventive health care.

"In the training programme, the veterinarians will not only be exposed to the technique and procedures being followed in the USA, but they will also carry out hands-on exercises," an official statement said.
Presently, there are 166 recognised zoos in the country.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington DC, is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, mandated by the US Congress.