Thiruvananthapuram zoo steps up security measures after sambar deer dies of rabies

The Thiruvananthapuram zoo has stepped up security protocols following the loss of life of a sambar deer from rabies on Sunday.

This is the second time {that a} sambar deer has died of rabies on the zoo. One deer had examined optimistic for rabies in March, whereas one other had examined detrimental.

The State Institute for Animal Diseases, Palode, confirmed that the deer that died on Sunday had rabies.

Following the animal’s loss of life, the keeper who dealt with the sambar deer has been given anti-rabies vaccination. Other zookeepers and docs have already had prophylactic vaccination the final time rabies was reported there.

As different animals, together with carnivores, had been administered the anti-rabies vaccination earlier, solely the sambar deer will likely be given the anti-rabies vaccination this time.

Officials say the useless sambar deer might have escaped vaccination the final time contemplating the logistics of the process, particularly administration of vaccine to all of them on a single day. Then, the deer had been darted by the zoo physician from outdoors the enclosure, whereas a keeper aware of the animals spray-painted them.

This time, the zoo authorities are mulling the opportunity of shifting the vaccinated sambar deer to an adjoining open enclosure after vaccination, although this may take barely extra time.

Zookeepers proceed to don gloves and masks as per process.

It is suspected that animals akin to mongoose or civet cat might have transmitted the illness to the sambar deer.