33 spotted deer died of rabies in National Zoological Park

Thirty-three spotted deer have died of rabies in the National Zoological Park here since January this year, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said today.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dave said, Central Zoo Authority has carried out an inspection of the zoo after these 33 deaths and recommended several measures such as installation of CCTVs in the feeding/retiring cell as well as the paddock area of the enclosure to identify the feral animal species responsible for the spread of disease.

It has also been suggested that all staff involved with upkeep and management of rabies be vaccinated, he said.
 

"Zoological Information Management System should also be utilised as a tool to get the expert advise from zoos abroad on disease diagnosis and treatment of animals," Dave said.

The remaining 80 spotted deer are in healthy condition but have been vaccinated for rabies as a precautionary measure, he added.