Show-cause notices sent to top officials after deaths of spotted deer at Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoo; the fatalities occurred between July 7 and 12, raising alarm among nature lovers and visitors
Civic body is also probing possible negligence in the animals’ nutrition and day-to-day care. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram issued show-cause notices to two senior officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park following the deaths of 17 Spotted Deer, which have been confirmed to have succumbed to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The deer were part of a herd of 99 at the PMC-run zoo. The fatalities occurred between July 7 and 12, raising alarm among nature lovers and visitors. The incident has sparked serious questions over the quality of animal care, despite the significant funds PMC allocates annually for zoo upkeep and wildlife welfare.
A detailed investigation by the National Centre for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, confirmed the presence of FMD, a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and deer.
“Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a serious viral infection. It causes fever and painful sores in the mouth, on the tongue, lips, between the hooves, and on the teats,” explained Dr Ghanshyam Pawar, veterinary officer at the zoo, to mid-day.
Following confirmation of the disease, Commissioner Ram raised concerns over possible lapses in the zoo's routine care and emergency response. Show-cause notices were served to the Garden Superintendent and Zoo Director, asking them to explain the lapses within four days.
Besides the viral outbreak, the civic body is also probing possible negligence in the animals’ nutrition and day-to-day care. Officials are examining whether the feed provided was appropriate and whether preventive medical protocols were in place.
Eighty-three deer remain in the zoo. Officials said this is the first such incident and that only the spotted deer were affected. Initial symptoms included reduced appetite in some animals, followed by sudden deaths.
Earlier, PMC had sent samples from the deceased animals to multiple labs, including the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal), Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Bareilly), Regional Wildlife Research & Training Centre Laboratory (Nagpur), Disease Investigation Section Laboratory (Pune), and the International Centre for Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar).
While the Bhopal lab report came back negative, the Bhubaneswar institute confirmed FMD as the cause. Civic officials said further action will depend on the responses received from the zoo authorities.
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