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Four Spotted Deer Die at Karnataka Zoo; Facility Closed Over Disease Fears

Four spotted deer have died at the Indira Priyadarshini Mini Zoo in Davanagere, Karnataka, prompting its temporary closure to the public. The Animal Health Advisory Committee suspects the cause is the contagious disease Hemorrhagic Septicemia. Emergency measures, including prophylactic treatment for the remaining 170 deer and strict biosecurity, have been implemented. In a separate report, the Assam State Zoo has installed heaters and bulbs to protect its animals from the winter cold.

Key Points: Spotted Deer Deaths Close Karnataka Zoo; Disease Suspected

  • Four spotted deer died in three days
  • Zoo closed to public as precaution
  • Suspected Hemorrhagic Septicemia outbreak
  • Emergency treatment for remaining 170 deer
2 min read

Davanagere: Four spotted deer die at Indira Priyadarshini Mini Zoo; facility closed for public viewing until further orders

Four spotted deer die at Indira Priyadarshini Mini Zoo, suspected Hemorrhagic Septicemia outbreak prompts closure and emergency animal treatment.

"After evaluating the initial symptoms, the committee suspects the outbreak may be a contagious disease known as 'Hemorrhagic Septicemia' (HS). - Animal Health Advisory Committee"

Davanagere, January 19

A total of four spotted deer have died at the Indira Priyadarshini Mini Zoo near Anagodu in Karnataka's Davangere division in the last three days.

As a precautionary measure, Deputy Conservator of Forests Harshavardhan stated that the zoo has been temporarily closed for public viewing until further orders.

On January 16, the first spotted deer died, prompting divisional officials to immediately implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Subsequently, on January 17, two more deer died; as a result, members of the Animal Health Advisory Committee were immediately asked to visit the site.

However, another deer also died on January 18, and this time the committee members inspected the site and sent blood samples and organs to the laboratory to determine the exact cause of death.

After evaluating the initial symptoms, the committee suspects the outbreak may be a contagious disease known as 'Hemorrhagic Septicemia' (HS).

To prevent the further spread of the infection, several emergency measures have been taken. Prophylactic and preventive treatments were initiated immediately for the remaining deer, and appropriate medical protocols have been implemented in consultation with senior veterinarians and experts. Furthermore, strict biosecurity measures have been enforced throughout the zoo, accompanied by continuous monitoring of the animals.

According to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the mini zoo currently houses a total of 170 spotted deer, and consists of 94 females, 58 males, and 18 calves. Authorities have requested the public to cooperate with the temporary closure to ensure the safety and survival of the remaining population.

In another incident, the authority of Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden has taken precautionary measures to keep animals warm during the winter season. The zoo authority has installed heaters, stubble, and high-powered electric bulbs to keep animals warm.

Rajani Kanta Deka, Head Animal Keeper of Assam State Zoo, told ANI that they have installed heaters for lions, tigers and other wild animals.

"We are provided stubble for animals in the Guwahati State Zoo. We have provided heaters for lions and tigers. The heaters are on for 24 hours. They are kept under the sun in the morning, and at night heaters are provided in the night shed. This has been done as per the direction of the Assam State Zoo director. For animals like tortoises, we have provided stubble," said Deka

"We have installed heaters for the maximum number of animals. We have also arranged electric bulbs for snakes, birds," added Deka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good that they acted fast with SOPs and called the committee. But four deaths in three days before a proper inspection? The initial response seems a bit slow. Hope the lab results come soon and they get the right treatment for the herd.
A
Aman W
Hemorrhagic Septicemia is serious business for livestock. If it's that, they need to quarantine the area strictly. Kudos to the Assam zoo for their proactive winter care though. Our zoos need that level of year-round attention to animal health.
S
Sarah B
It's heartbreaking. These mini zoos often operate with limited resources. While the emergency measures are good, there should be more regular health monitoring and better infrastructure to prevent such outbreaks in the first place.
V
Vikram M
Public cooperation is key here. No one should try to visit or create pressure to reopen. Let the experts do their work. The article shows a contrast - one zoo fighting disease, another preparing for winter. Both are important aspects of animal care.
K
Kavya N
So they have 94 females, 58 males and 18 calves. The population seems healthy otherwise. Hope the preventive treatment works for all of them. Get well soon, dear deer! 🦌

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