Pune: NIV demands 30 monkeys to test Corona vaccine, Maharashtra govt allows hunt
Pune, June 3, 2020: The Coronavirus has spread to across the world and India. Meanwhile, research has been undertaken to develop SARS-COV-2 (COVID19) vaccine immediately to check the spread of coronavirus. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune needs 30 monkeys for this research project. These 30 monkeys will be captured within the state limits and the first corona vaccine will be tested on these monkeys. Maharashtra Forest Minister Sanjay Rathore has directed to make monkeys available immediately.
In view of the current outbreak of Coronavirus in the state and the seriousness of the situation, the state’s Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) has recommended the government to approve the project in a letter dated May 30. Accordingly, the Forest Minister directed to make these monkeys available immediately.
The approval was given subject to conditions such as capturing the monkeys by experienced manpower, handling them skillfully, keeping them safely, not injuring the captured monkeys and other animals in the area, as well as not allowing their daily life to be disrupted, not using the project commercially.
In Maharashtra, 1225 COVID patients were released yesterday after successful treatment. It is reassuring that so far 31,333 patients have been discharged across the state. The number of patients recovering and going home seems to be increasing in the state. Meanwhile, 2287 new patients of Corona were admitted yesterday. Therefore, at present 38 thousand 493 Coronavirus positive patients are undergoing treatment in the state, informed Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
