Karnataka Zoo Authority Identifies Fatal Bacterial Infection Behind Blackbuck Loss
Hemorrhagic Septicemia confirmed as cause of Belagavi tragedy.
The Karnataka Zoo Authority has officially confirmed that Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a rapidly fatal bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, was responsible for the sudden deaths of 31 blackbucks at Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi over the past week. The disease, which can kill susceptible herbivores within hours of symptom onset, was identified through clinical signs, post-mortem findings, and laboratory analysis.
A high-level expert committee comprising Member Secretary Sunil Panwal and senior wildlife veterinarian Dr Prayag conducted an on-site inspection on Tuesday. The team verified that the outbreak originated within the blackbuck enclosure and has since been contained, with no evidence of transmission to other herbivore species or carnivores, which are naturally resistant to this particular strain.
Immediate biosecurity protocols have been enforced, including complete disinfection of affected areas, restriction of movement between enclosures, and enhanced daily health monitoring of all remaining animals. The committee directed zoo management to maintain heightened surveillance of deer species and other antelopes while implementing stricter vaccination schedules and quarantine measures for new arrivals.
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District In-charge Minister and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi personally visited the facility on Tuesday, expressing profound concern over the incident and describing the loss as “deeply alarming and unacceptable.” He instructed authorities to establish round-the-clock veterinary presence and ordered a comprehensive review of disease-prevention infrastructure across all state-managed zoos.
The deaths have underscored vulnerabilities in captive wildlife management, particularly during seasonal stress periods when animals are more susceptible to bacterial infections. Officials have assured the public that corrective measures are being expedited to prevent recurrence and to safeguard Karnataka’s conservation efforts for endangered species, including the Indian blackbuck.
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