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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Foot and Mouth Disease caused deaths of 16 spotted deer in Pune zoo, reports confirm
The 16 chitals or spotted deer that died at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune earlier this month were afflicted with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), lab reports have confirmed, officials said. 'Based on the laboratory reports of samples, the expert committee has concluded that the primary cause of death of the chitals was due to FMD virus infection,' Rajkumar Jadhav, director, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, said. 'This disease reduces the immunity of animals, especially under monsoon weather conditions, which increases stress levels and makes animals more vulnerable to fatal infections,' Jadhav added. Earlier, Jadhav had said that there were 99 spotted deer in the facility, and 15 died between July 7 and 12. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, which is owned by the Pune Municipal Corporation, had involved various government organisations to determine the cause of death of these animals. A team from Dr K N P College of Veterinary Science, Shirwal, and the Regional Disease Investigation Laboratory under the Maharashtra Department of Animal Husbandry was called in for the postmortem and collection of biological samples from the dead animals. The collected biological samples were sent for testing to the ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, the Regional Wildlife Research and Training Centre in Nagpur, and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. The test results and laboratory reports from Bhubaneswar matched with the earlier preliminary findings, Jadhav said, adding that as per the report from the National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, the chitals in the zoological park were infected with FMD virus. A wild animal health advisory committee was organised on Friday to implement effective epidemic control measures in the zoo, Jadhav said, adding that it was attended by several experts. The timely involvement of government institutions working in the region helped ensure that the postmortems were conducted and biological samples were collected, Jadhav said. 'Due to these efforts, the mortality among the animals was brought under control in a short period. Currently, the situation is under control, and the health of the affected animals is improving,' he said. Meanwhile, the PMC has issued an advisory to all cattle owners and dairy owners in the city to check their animals for lumpy skin disease as per the directions of the state government.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Restrictions imposed to prevent spread of lumpy skin disease among cattle
Pune: To check growing outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) among cattle in Pune district, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday declared strict restrictions for the city. The disease, which affects bovine animals (excluding buffaloes), has been spreading across nine talukas in the district, said officials. Karad, India - Sept. 6, 2022: A cow suffering from lumpy skin disease at Wagheri Village in Karad, India, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Many animals have got the lumpy skin disease in the village and two cows have died. (HT PHOTO) Suspected samples tested by the Regional Disease Investigation Laboratory in Aundh, Pune, have confirmed positive cases of contagious viral infection LSD. Jitendra Dudi, district collector and chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, has declared the district a 'controlled area' under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. PMC circular issued on Friday urges cattle owners, dairy farmers, NGOs and animal traders within the city limits to strictly follow the guidelines under the 2009 Animal Disease Control Act. As per the orders, sale, purchase, or participation of cattle (excluding buffaloes) in markets, races, fairs, or exhibitions will only be permitted if the animals are vaccinated with the Goat Pox vaccine at least 28 days in advance, and are accompanied by a valid vaccination certificate and health report from a certified veterinarian. Movement of infected or exposed animals, fodder, hides, or related materials has been prohibited. Dudi has ordered ring vaccination within a 5-kilometre radius of infection zones, deployment of additional veterinary staff where manpower is lacking, and strict implementation of barn sanitation, biosecurity protocols, and disinfection. He also appealed to cattle owners to immediately report suspected cases and seek treatment via the toll-free number 1962. 'LSD can be effectively contained with prompt treatment of infected animals, rigorous biosecurity, and 100% vaccination in affected areas. We have learned from past experiences that strict adherence to these measures prevents the disease from spreading further,' he said. Dr Nina Borade, health chief, PMC, said, 'As per a central government advisory, local bodies, including municipal corporations, councils, and gram panchayats, are implementing insect control programmes to curb the spread of disease through biting insects. Veterinary officials are closely monitoring the situation, and all necessary steps are being taken to contain the disease.' Dr Ankush Parihar, deputy commissioner of animal husbandry, Pune said the cattle population in the district is 8.46 lakh. In the ongoing 2025-26 vaccination drive, 5.80 lakh doses of the Goat Pox vaccine have been distributed and 5.70 lakh animals have been vaccinated. Additional doses are being procured to cover the remaining and newly affected areas. The district has reported 906 LSD cases in cattle till July 22, with 591 animals recovering after treatment and 15 deaths. Currently, 300 animals are under medical care, with the number steadily increasing. The worst-hit talukas include Shirur, Ambegaon, and Junnar. (With agency inputs)
