Nilgai Death Triggers HS Scare at Binkadakatti Zoo; Over 200 Herbivores Quarantined

Gadag: Binkadakatti Zoo, one of North Karnataka’s prominent zoological parks, has been put on high alert following the death of a nilgai due to a deadly infectious disease.

The development has triggered serious concern among forest officials, prompting immediate precautionary measures, including quarantining herbivorous animals and restricting visitor access to certain sections of the zoo.

The alarm was raised after a nilgai housed at Binkadakatti Zoo died on February 3. Post-mortem examination confirmed that the animal succumbed to Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), a highly contagious and often fatal bacterial disease commonly affecting herbivores.

Given the rapid transmission rate and life-threatening nature of the infection, zoo authorities and the Forest Department swiftly initiated containment protocols.

More than 200 herbivorous animals at the zoo have now been placed under quarantine as a preventive step. Special green screening barriers have been installed around enclosures housing nilgai, blackbucks, deer and other herbivores to create isolated quarantine zones.

Public access to these sections has been temporarily suspended, causing disappointment among tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Officials stated that the zoo currently houses 37 nilgai, all of which are under close observation.

Four trained animal caretakers have been assigned exclusively to monitor the health condition of the quarantined animals on a daily basis. Regular health checks are being conducted to detect any early signs of infection.

Zoo Range Forest Officer Sneha Koppal said that the heightened alert comes in the wake of similar cases reported in other zoos, including incidents where blackbucks died due to the same disease.

As a precaution, authorities have decided to maintain strict surveillance over herbivores for at least 21 days to ensure the infection does not spread further.

While access to herbivore enclosures remains restricted, the rest of the zoo continues to remain open to visitors. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary preventive measures are being implemented to safeguard animal health and contain the outbreak effectively.

Hemorrhagic Septicemia, locally known as ‘Galale’ disease, poses a significant threat to hoofed animals, particularly during seasonal transitions. Forest officials emphasized that the situation is under control but urged caution until the monitoring period concludes.

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