Jamshedpur, Dec 8: Ten blackbucks have died at the Tata Steel Zoological Park. Initial investigations have revealed that some type of bacterial infection has caused the deaths of the antelopes between December 1-6.
“Ten blackbucks have died in the park. The remains have been sent to Ranchi Veterinary College for examination and to ascertain the exact cause of the death. While we are waiting for the report, it seems to be a bacterial infection,” TSZP deputy director Dr. Naim Akhtar said.
Officials suspect that the cause of death is Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, a bacterial disease also known as Pasteurellosis. Sources informed that Pasteurellosis spreads in the body quickly, and it affects the lungs, causing sudden death. High fever, swelling in the neck, and diarrhoea are some common symptoms of the disease.
Following the incident at Steel City’s zoo, the Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi, which houses 69 blackbucks, has also been put on alert.
The last death was reported on December 6. The TSZP houses 370 animals and birds. It had 18 blackbucks, of which 10 died due to the disease. The zoo authorities are keeping a close watch on the health of the remaining eight blackbucks. “We are taking all relevant measures to ensure that the remaining blackbucks in the park do not get infected. We have kept them under observation,” Dr. Akhtar said.
