Overview
- The death toll climbed to 30 from a herd of 38, and only eight blackbucks now remain under isolation and treatment, zoo sources said Monday.
- Eight animals were found dead on Thursday, twenty more died on Saturday, and additional fatalities on Sunday pushed the total to the latest count.
- Preliminary findings point to a bacterial disease, with veterinarians citing hemorrhagic septicemia or a clostridial infection as the leading hypotheses pending lab reports.
- Viscera, feed and water samples have been sent to Bannerghatta and the Forensic Science Laboratory, and results are expected by Tuesday to determine the definitive cause.
- Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has ordered an expert committee and warned of action if negligence is found, though the Zoo Authority’s member-secretary said no lapse has been detected so far.