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Belagavi Zoo Blackbuck Deaths Rise to 29 as Probe Targets Suspected Bacterial Outbreak

A high-level investigation is underway, with officials pointing to a likely bacterial disease pending laboratory confirmation.

Overview

  • One more blackbuck died Sunday, taking the toll to 29 after eight deaths on November 13 and 20 more by Saturday.
  • Preliminary post-mortem findings indicate a bacterial cause, with veterinarians citing hemorrhagic septicaemia as most likely and clostridial infection also under review.
  • Expert teams from Bannerghatta examined carcasses, collected viscera plus feed and water samples, and said confirmatory lab results are expected within days.
  • The forest minister ordered a formal inquiry and warned of action if negligence is established, while a Zoo Authority of Karnataka official inspected the facility.
  • Surviving animals have been quarantined, enclosures closed, and antibiotics started; the affected herd originally numbered 38 and included 13 males and 15 females among the dead.