MYSURU, 29 NOV

A female elephant has died under suspicious circumstances that suggest anthrax at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The 30-year-old pachyderm was discovered deceased near Bachahalli in the Kundukere range of Bandipur in the Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district on Thursday.

Forest department officials found the elephant late on Thursday, with symptoms indicative of anthrax, including severe bloating and bleeding from various body parts. A post-mortem examination was conducted the following day in the presence of senior officials.

Veterinarian Dr Mirza Wasim, who performed the autopsy, reported that the elephant exhibited classic symptoms of anthrax, such as blood oozing from its ears, mouth, and rectum, along with pronounced body bloating. Samples from the deceased animal have been sent to advanced veterinary laboratories for thorough examination to verify the presence of anthrax.

As a precautionary measure, Dr Wasim recommended vaccinations for cattle in surrounding villages near the forest. S Prabhakaran, the deputy conservator of forests and project director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, indicated that they are collecting information regarding any other animal deaths linked to anthrax in the area, which includes consulting with the department of animal and veterinary sciences.

Prabhakaran emphasised that while the initial signs point to anthrax, conclusive confirmation will only come from laboratory results. The forest department is actively coordinating efforts to monitor cattle and livestock for potential anthrax infections and will continue to share information regarding any suspected cases in neighbouring communities.  —Salar News