Vadodara: In 3 weeks, 13 sambars died in Sayajibagh Zoo. Vadodara News – Times of India

Vadodara: 13 sambar deer kept in Sayajibagh zoo died one after the other within three weeks in a painful incident.
Zoo officials said these deer were suffering from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and only one baby deer managed to survive, away from the herd.
The largest deer in India, the sambar deer, was kept in a large enclosure next to the spotted deer near the fountain. His death came to the fore a few days ago when the expenditure on his treatment was brought before the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Standing Committee.
“It is an unfortunate incident as we had a good number of sambars which were the pride of the zoo. The first sambar got FMD on November 17 and we immediately started treating the whole herd. They too were kept in isolation. But FMD is one Highly contagious virus,” said Pratyush Patankar, curator of Sayajibagh Zoo.
Despite best treatment, 13 sambar deer had died by 6 December. “We investigated the source of the virus and it seems that they got infected through feed. We get this feed from the ground in Gorwa. Some FMD infected animals can graze. On the ground and in the feed through their saliva. The virus passed through,” Patankar told TOI.
Patankar said, “Forage is the only source of infection as all other factors including water are under our control. It is a ruminant disease that infects cattle, deer. Fortunately, no other herbivorous animal in the vicinity is infected with FMD. Not done.”
“Despite having so many animals in the zoo, the VMC does not have a full-time vet as the one who is in the post is in charge. Who will take the responsibility of these mass deaths of sambar deer? Also, why were the deaths put up by the civic body and hidden from the public?” The leader of the VMC opposition, Ami Rawat, was questioned. Rawat further alleged that some deer could have been saved had the authorities concerned had sought help from experts in time.
In November last year, a 13-year-old lioness died of kidney failure after being injured at the zoo.