Now, tiger cub dies in safari park

The dead cub was one of the three animals at the park that were suffering from the infection, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest M N Jayakumar said. The carcass of the animal has been sent for a post-mortem to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAHVB). “The report is expected on Monday,” Jayakumar said.

The other two infected tigers, Arya and Minchu, were still under observation and of the two, Arya showed better signs of recovery.

According to park officials, the death of the cub was due to e-coli bacteria and not due to salmonellosis bacteria as was the case in the death of tigers last week. Both salmonellosis and e-coli spread through food and water. To ward off infection in the park, hygiene is being strictly maintained both at the safari and at the rescue centre.
A meeting was also held at Karnataka Veterinary Animal and Fisheries Science University (KVAFSU) on the issue, which was attended by officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, the University and the Forest Department.

After the meeting, Suresh Honappagol, KVAFSU vice-chancellor, said the veterinary institute had suggested a therapeutic package for the animals, different from the range of antibiotics ‘Imepenem’, to support therapies. He said experts had also urged the park authorities to isolate the ailing animals, collect their blood samples once in 24 hours and send the same to IAHVB. “In case the need arises, we will send the samples for a second opinion outside,” he told Deccan Herald.

The zoo staff were also told to follow a strict disinfection programme as a preventive measure, he said. They have been asked not to venture into animal enclosures without handgloves and masks.
DH News Service