Karnataka to recruit 15 wildlife veterinarians soon, says Forest Minister after mass blackbuck death
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given in-principle approval to create a separate cadre for wildlife veterinarians and recruit 15 doctors soon, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Tuesday.
He held a video conference with heads of all nine zoos after 31 blackbucks died under unusual circumstances at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo in Belagavi. He directed zoo officials to take immediate preventive measures with the help of available veterinary staff until new wildlife doctors are appointed.
Veterinarians have confirmed that an infection caused by bacteria led to the blackbuck deaths. Khandre instructed officials to study whether the infection spread through air, water, food or handlers, and to ensure that it does not reach other animals.
The minister also asked the Zoo Authority to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure for handling such disease outbreaks, along with guidelines for managing wild animals in zoos and rescue centres. He said the SOP must be followed strictly.
Khandre directed that whenever animals die in zoos or wildlife centres, officials must not delay post-mortem examinations and must send reports to the government immediately. He said the deaths of 31 blackbucks serve as a warning, and added that the remaining seven blackbucks are also infected and require urgent treatment. All zoos in the state have been asked to take precautionary measures.
Referring to the recent death of a gaur that was being transported from Bannerghatta to a neighbouring state, he said complaints indicated negligence by officials. A team will be formed to investigate the incident, and staff will be given training in handling wild animals.
Zoo Authority of Karnataka chairman Hadya Rangaswamy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) P.C. Rai and senior officials took part in the meeting.
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Davanagere: Students complain to ADC after finding worm in hostel idli-sambar
Davanagere: Students of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Post-Matric Hostel at SPS Nagar on Budal Road filed a complaint with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) after allegedly finding a worm in the idli-sambar served to them.
The students brought a plate of the food to the ADC to highlight the issue. They alleged that unhygienic items such as hair, small stones, sticks and insects are being found in the food regularly.
They also complained that neither the kitchen staff nor the hostel warden was taking the issue seriously.
Responding to the complaint, ADC Sheelvant Shivakumar assured the students that action would be taken if lapses were found. He said he would visit the hostel soon to inspect the kitchen and check whether food is being served as per the approved menu.
