Overview
- Authorities at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi report 31 deaths out of 38 blackbucks, with seven animals under treatment.
- Preliminary expert assessments point to haemorrhagic septicaemia or lumpy skin disease, and an official note warns the illness is infectious.
- The Forest Department and Zoo Authority have alerted the Animal Husbandry Department to initiate safeguards in surrounding villages.
- Post-mortem and Forensic Science Laboratory results are awaited to determine the exact cause, as veterinarians say the remaining blackbucks are showing recovery signs.
- The Zoo Authority of Karnataka ordered heightened surveillance and biosecurity at zoos statewide, including carcass disposal protocols, quarantine, antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination of nearby domestic herbivores.