Vadodara: In a tragic incident, 13 Sambar Deer was stored at the Zibibaug Zoo died one after another in three weeks.
Zoo officials said that this deer suffered from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and only one deer baby far from the herd who managed to survive.
Deer sambar, the largest deer in India, stored in a large cage adjacent to the deer that looks near the fountain.
Their deaths were revealed a few days ago when the costs repeated on their care were taken to the Permanent Committee (VMC) Vadodara Municipal’s (VMC).
“This is an unfortunate incident because we have a number of sambars which are the pride of the zoo.
Sambar first got FMD on November 17 and we immediately started the treatment of all herds.
They are stored in isolation too.
But FMD is a very contagious virus,” said Pratyush Patankar, Dear Zoo Curator.
Despite providing the best care, 13 sambar deer died at 6.
“We investigate the source of the virus and it seems they are infected with animal feed.
We get animal feed from the ground in Gorwa.
Some FMD infected animals may have grazed on land and pass through the virus through saliva to animal feed, “Patankar told Toi.
“Fodder is the only source of infection because all other factors including water are under our control.
This is a ruminant disease that infects livestock, deer.
Fortunately, there are no other herbivorous animals around the FMD infected,” Patankar added.
“Despite having so many animals in the zoo, VMC does not have a veterinarian full time as a person who holds the position is responsible.
Who will be responsible for the death of this deer sambar mass? Also, why is his death stored hidden from the civil and public body? “Questioning Ami Ravat, VMC opposition leader.
Ravat further accused that if the officials concerned had sought assistance from experts in time, some deer might have been saved.
In November last year, the 13-year-old female lion died of kidney failure after he was injured at the zoo.