(IN): Tests confirm zoo anthrax

[Guest guest]

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080130/jsp/frontpage/story_8840943.jsp

 

Tests confirm zoo anthrax

 

A STAFF REPORTER

 

*Guwahati, Jan. 29: *Assam State Zoo began preparing to vaccinate its rhinos

and all other ruminant mammals against anthrax for the first time after

receiving confirmation about the contagious *Bacillus anthracis *spore

lurking somewhere on its sprawling campus.

 

Clinical tests at the College of Veterinary Sciences in Khanapara confirmed

what was feared: that an " acute " case of anthrax caused the sudden death of

a 30-year-old rhino, Jon, in the early hours of January 22.

 

On receiving the report yesterday, the committee of experts that was

constituted to oversee preventive measures contacted the Institute of

Veterinary Biologicals, also in Khanapara, to suggest the dose of anthrax

vaccine appropriate for different species of mammals.

 

" There are different doses for different animals. One must know the right

dose to be administered for it to be effective, " a member of the committee

said.

 

The Khanapara institute stocks the anthrax vaccine.

 

The divisional forest officer in charge of the zoo, Narayan Mahanta, said

the anthrax death might have been caused either by ingestion or inhalation.

Since there is no way of knowing whether the spore-forming bacteria is still

around, vaccination is the only way out.

 

Mahanta said the committee of experts suggested vaccination of all animals

in and around the zoo, with the focus on ruminant mammals such as cattle,

sheep, buffalo and goats. " We implemented a series of preventive measures

after the rhino died. We were only waiting to find out whether it was

anthrax that caused the death before taking the final step of vaccinating

animals. "

 

On whether anthrax may have already spread beyond the zoo, the DFO said

there was no reason to panic.

 

Jon led a charmed life until anthrax killed him. In August 2005, suspected

poachers tried to electrocute the rhino in his enclosure at the zoo. Had it

not been for a police team that had entered the zoo to look for fleeing

militants just when the poachers were at work, Jon would have been

electrocuted and his horn taken away.

 

He was brought to the zoo from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in 1980.

 

 

--

United against elephant polo

http://www.stopelephantpolo.com