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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28-year-old Sangh Parivar worker held for selling cattle to slaughter house in Nallur
Karkala: A 28-year-old Sangh Parivar worker, Shivaprasad, also called as Annu Madiwala, was arrested by Karkala Rural Police under charge of selling cattle to a slaughter house in Nallur.
On November 12, the police had arrested Ashraf Ali and his wife for running the slaughter house without licence, after raiding their house in Nallur.
Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal had staged a protest, alleging that the couple sold the meat of stolen cattle that were brought to and killed at the slaughter house. The protesters also demanded that the slaughter house be seized by the authorities.
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The police, who held a questioning of the arrested duo, they were informed of the involvement of Shivaprasad, following which, the officers arrested Shivaprasad and produced him before court.
The Sangh Parivar worker had purchased the cattle and supplied to Ashraf Ali, police officers have said.
