The highly contagious viral outbreak claimed the life of 16 spotted deer in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj in just six days in the month of July. The viscera reports were sent to laboratories across the country, and the report revealed that foot and mouth disease (FMD) caused the recent deaths of 16 spotted deer.
The Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed zoo authorities to submit a detailed explanation outlining the sequence of events, initial detection, response measures taken, and whether there was any human error or negligence. Following which, action would be taken.
On July 25, reports from the ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease (Bhubaneswar) and the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (Bhopal) confirmed that all 16 deer died due to FMD.
Experts noted that the infected animals exhibited classic symptoms of viral infection originating in the salivary glands. Combined with seasonal monsoon-related stress and weakened immunity, the disease spread rapidly, leading to the deaths.
Following the confirmation, PMC has asked the zoo director to submit a comprehensive report, and emergency biosecurity measures are being carried out. Preventive vaccinations for the remaining animals have been administered, and the zoo will remain open for the public, following the hygiene protocols listed by the Zoo Health Advisory Committee.
