With the fear of anthrax spreading in and around the Kuldiha Sanctuary, the Veterinary Department has initiated steps to vaccinate the domestic livestock population.
Sources said the carcass of a female elephant was found near Kuldiha about two week ago. The symptoms suggested that she might have died due to anthrax. The Wildlife Department burnt the body with adequate care. Besides, a tusker was found to be sick inside the sanctuary area at Risia. It is suspected that the tusker is also affected with the deadly bacteria.
Divisional Forest Officer Harsh Bardhan Udgata said the blood samples have been sent to the laboratory in Bhubaneswar to know the exact reason of the early death of the female jumbo. He, however, denied the sickness of the tusker is caused by anthrax, adding that the tusker was suffering from loose-motion.
Three teams have been formed to monitor the activities of the tusker, who is under medication, said another wildlife officer.
District Chief Veterinary Officer Nityananda Das said, “We have started vaccination drive. livestock in all 83 villages around the sanctuary will be vaccinated. The livestock shouldn’t be allowed into forests”.