Written By: N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Updated : November 19, 2025 5:08 PM IST
Karnataka Zoo Authority confirms 31 blackbucks at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo have died due to Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) a bacterial infection which is known to kill wide range of animals within hours. The cause was confirmed by the Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Monday.
According to reports, the devastating toll reduced Kittur Rani Chennamma Mini Zoo's blackbuck population to 7 out of 38. The incident occurred on Thursday when 8 antelopes died on the day, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday, including 3 more deaths in the last two days.
To take cognizance of the situation, high-level investigation from Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru has been underway. Speaking to the media, Khandre said, "Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks died due to bacterial infection. Our officers and veterinary doctors are giving treatment to them."
Authorities are taking proactive measures to curb the outbreak, Manjunath Chauhan, Chief Conservator of Forest, told the media, "We have not only initiated measures to stop the possible spread of infections in the deer enclosure and in other places in the zoo, but also in surrounding areas. Forest Department staff are spraying disinfectants in the zoo and surrounding areas. Village heralders are being used to spread the message among cattle rearers and shepherds to protect their cattle by spraying disinfectants."
Sunil Panwar, Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Karnataka, said, "Our primary concern now is to contain the spread of infections. We are coordinating with other departments and taking all possible steps to see that the infection does not spread,''
He said, "HS is a very serious infection and can cause mass deaths of animals, without symptoms. In some case, it can assume epidemic proportions. That is why, we need to take every precaution to see that it does not spread."
According to the Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) a Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) is a bacterial infection that affects cattle and water buffalo. However, this bacterial infection may affect other animals occasionally which can lead to a severe outbreak.
The US educational institution outlines that Hemorrhagic Septicemia can rapidly progress from fever to depression and death, within hours to a few days. It states that the disease course is so short that recovery is rare. CFSPH states, "Young animals are mainly affected in endemic regions, and outbreaks are particularly common during rainy weather, when the organism can spread readily. In areas where animals have no immunity, severe disease is expected to occur in all ages."
Veterinary specialists say that antibiotics are effective only if the drug is started very soon after the onset of clinical signs. Some drugs that are used to treat hemorrhagic septicemia, according to the US educational institution include oxytetracycline, trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole, a combination of penicillin and streptomycin, or sulphaquinoxaline.
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