Karnataka Loses 31 Blackbucks In 4 Days Due To Deadly Bacterial Infection; Probe Ordered

31 blackbucks have reportedly died at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi, Karnataka. Authorities fear an infectious outbreak might be behind the rising death toll and are worried it could spread to nearby villages. Many wildlife activists are also questioning the zoo authorities over negligence. Here’s more on this unfortunate incident. 

31 Blackbucks Die In Karnataka 

In an unfortunate incident, the death count of blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Bhutaramanahatti village, Belagavi district, Karnataka, has risen to 31. According to a report by India Today, these deaths have occurred over the past four days. This has raised questions over possible negligence by zoo authorities.

The deaths began on November 13, when eight blackbucks died at the zoo. Another 20 died the next day, followed by one more early Monday morning. The zoo had 38 blackbucks in total, but only seven are now left. Veterinarians suspect Haemorrhagic Septicemia, a bacterial infection, as the cause. Wildlife activists argue that authorities should have detected the outbreak earlier, which could have prevented these deaths.

Also Read: From Booking Early To Background Check: 5 Tiger Safari Tips Shared By A Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife Activists Question Zoo Authorities

As per a report by India Today, wildlife activists have alleged that officials failed to take action after the first eight deaths. They say that if the authorities had quarantined the animals early, more blackbucks would have survived. Activists have also raised concerns about hygiene, food quality, and routine health checks at the zoo.

Postmortem examinations were conducted under the supervision of Dr Sunil Pawar of the Karnataka Zoo Authority. Experts from the Institute of Animal Health and Biologicals and a team from Bannerghatta National Park also assisted during the examinations. Samples have been sent to a Bengaluru lab, and authorities are now awaiting the final confirmation report.

Deputy Director Nagaraj shared with India Today that the zoo had never seen an incident like this before. He added that one blackbuck has been isolated, and the remaining animals are active and under observation. According to a report by The Hans India, officials also fear the infection could spread to nearby villages. The Karnataka Zoo Authority has issued an advisory urging people to remain cautious.

Also Read: Karnataka Suspends Tiger Safari At THESE Two Reserves After 3 Tiger Attacks

Blackbucks are an endangered species and are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Their deaths in Karnataka have sparked anger among wildlife activists and animal lovers across the country. We are now awaiting more details on this unfortunate incident.

Cover Image Courtesy: Blackbuck, Wikipedia/Mr Raja Purohit