Meera Bhardwaj
A series of wild boar deaths in the Lakkavalli range of Bhadra Tiger Reserve has created panic of a serious outbreak of a bacterial disease as dead animals have been found day after day. On Sunday, two more bodies of wild boars were found in the same range. Although Classical Swine Fever and Poisoning has been ruled out after testing only one sample as the others were decomposed, the continuing deaths of wild boars in the Tiger reserve is a mystery and so, the probe continues.
The discovery of carcasses of 13 WILD BOARS and one gaur from April 1-19 has sent wildlife vets into a tizzy and they are busy carrying out investigations in association with Shivamogga Veterinary College to ascertain the reasons for the serial deaths. The team of doctors includes – Dr Vinay S, wildlife division, Shivamogga, Dr Manjunath, pathologist, Dr Sundresh, Microbiologist, Veterinary college, Shivamogga and Dr Rajesh of IAH&VB, Shivamogga.
DEATH IN BHADRA BACKWATERS REGION
On April 1, five bodies were found near Saave anti-poaching camp [APC] near Bhadra backwaters. The next day, one more body was found. Subsequently from April 10 to 19 – some 8 bodies have been found in Hosahalli Koovu, Koligudu, Mavinahalla and Yetinakoovu. One gaur body was found in Jenuhalla on 13.
Dr Vinay told Green Minute that one body was partially eaten by a crocodile while another body by another wild boar.
Honorary wildlife warden of Chikkamagaluru G Veeresh said for the last 20 days, serial deaths of wild boars and one gaur had taken place in Lakkavali range. He adds, “There is an urgent need to take precautionary measures so that we can avoid any outbreak of a disease in this tiger reserve. We have alerted authorities to save wild animals in this range as patrolling is weak and the staff has no protection gear or equipment. Senior forest officials have to be proactive so that the outbreak does not spread to other animals and further, to humans.”
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Ruling out classical Swine fever or any case of poison/toxicity – Dr Vinay said, “The case is still under investigation and we are looking for isolation of any bacterial origin and so, the Microbiology department of Shivamogga Veterinary College is carrying out tests for it. Smears for microscopy and swabs for culture from affected tissues was taken. In fact, on priority basis – samples were collected and sent to IAH&VB lab, Bengaluru for testing.”
Wildlife vet adds the boar bodies were so decomposed that they were unfit for testing. But only one sample was fresh and this helped in carrying out all required tests. All protocol was followed and thorough postmortem was carried out. All the dead animals were found scattered in this range with each case at some distance. They were completely exposed to sunlight and discovered very late by APC staff. Only the April 2nd carcass was fresh. A probe revealed that the intestine had button ulcer, hemorrhages and the lung had collapsed.
Dr Vinay adds, “We suspected classical Swine fever – a viral contagion and therefore, the sample was processed for viral isolation. On priority basis, the samples were collected and sent to the lab, however, results revealed neither swine fever nor poison.”
INADEQUATE PATROLLING
Wildlife activists have raised the question of inadequate patrolling as most of the carcasses except for one were found in a highly decomposed state. Despite the presence of so many APC in this range which is home to good number of resident tigers and good prey density, the death of so many prey animals is a cause for serious concern.
In view of the lockdown which has resulted in serious hunting and poaching of wildlife in protected areas and ESZ areas of Karnataka, the state forest department needs to take immediate measures – strict vigil and patrolling especially in tiger reserves, appeals Veeresh.
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