Kerala - Others   

Concern over death of Indian bison in Wayanad forests

Kalpetta: With the summer resulting in water and fodder shortage in the Wayanad forests, nine Indian bison died in the area within a month.

Wildlife officials have ruled out any disease as the cause of the death, but there were reports that some of the dead gaurs were found to be suffering from foot-and-mouth disease. Samples of the carcasses were sent for analysis. Most of the deaths were reported from areas close to the Bandipore Sanctuary in Karnataka. "Our assessment is that stress caused by the summer and scarcity of water and fodder are the cause of the death. The animals were also old,'' said Deepak Mishra, Deputy Conservator of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

However, some veterinarians believe foot-and-mouth disease could be the reason for the deaths. One of them, speaking on condition of anonymity, said three Indian bison found dead on the banks of the Kabani had festered hooves. Mr. Mishra said such fears would be dispelled once the result of the analysis of carcass samples was received. "We are confident that the area is safe. At the same time, we don't want to take any risk. That is why carcass samples were sent for analysis," he said. — PTI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Dedicated quays for Lakshadweep passengers soon
Gandhian message foundation of freedom struggle, says Ravi
Second phase of Akshaya to begin in July
50 vacate land for elephant corridor
Concern over death of Indian bison in Wayanad forests
House burgled

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu