Test report says Belagavi zoo black bucks died of bacterial infection

The State government has asked officials to implement a total quarantine and bio safety protocol measures, following reports that Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a bacterial infection had caused the deaths of 31 blackbucks in the Belagavi zoo.

Forest Department officials are working with other departments to implement the measures. The seven blackbucks left in the zoo have been segregated in a half an acre area. Veterinarians are keeping an eye on them and are giving precautionary medicinal doses.

“We have not only initiated measures to stop the possible spread of infections in the deer enclosure and in other places in the zoo, but also in surrounding areas. Forest Department staff are spraying disinfectants in the zoo and surrounding areas. Village heralders are being used to spread the message among cattle rearers and shepherds to protect their cattle by spraying disinfectants,” Chief conservator of Forests Manjunath Chauhan said.

He told reporters that only one such incident was recorded in the country in Gujarat till now. We are getting information from our counterparts in Gujarat and will take all steps that were taken there, in addition to the established protocols,’’ he said.

“Our primary concern now is to contain the spread of infections. We are coordinating with other departments and taking all possible steps to see that the infection does not spread,’’ said Sunil Panwar, Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka. “HS is a very serious infection and can cause mass deaths of animals, without symptoms. In some case, it can assume epidemic proportions. That is why, we need to take every precaution to see that it does not spread,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister Satish Jarkiholi visited the zoo and met with officials. He spoke to senior officials and sought an update on the measures being taken in the wake of the deaths.

He told reporters that he had inquired about the source of the infection and the chances of this disease being transmitted to other animals. “I asked them if precautionary measures are being taken like giving immunity medical treatment. They told me they are taking all necessary steps. The team of veterinarians is providing treatment to control this disease from spreading,’’ he said.

“A team of expert doctors from Bangalore has treated the blackbucks at the zoo. A report has also been received from the lab about this disease. The officials explained to me that all measures have been taken to protect the health of the animals by keeping a strict watch on the remaining animals, including the tigers and lions that are currently present,” the Minister said.

Mr. Panwar, Mr. Chauhan, Deputy Conservator of Forests N.E. Kranti, Assistant Conservator Nagaraj Balehusura, Mr. Nagesh and Mr. Prayag and staff were present.