Overview
- State officials reported that 31 of 38 blackbucks at Kitturu Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo have died, with seven survivors isolated under veterinary care.
- The Zoo Authority of Karnataka ordered heightened surveillance across all zoos, immediate carcass removal, disinfection, and antibiotic prophylaxis for exposed animals.
- Authorities notified the Animal Husbandry Department and sought vaccination of domestic herbivores around the zoo due to the risk to nearby villages.
- Veterinary teams segregated the remaining herd and are administering precautionary treatments as staff disinfect the facility and surrounding areas.
- Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre approved hiring 15 wildlife doctors and directed a study on transmission routes, SOP formulation, and audits for deaths of scheduled animals.