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Blackbuck Plague: Zoo Sees 10 Deaths in Days
8 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Ten blackbucks died at Jamshedpur zoo between December 1 and 6.
- The disease, haemorrhagic septicaemia, killed 38 blackbucks in Karnataka recently.
- Crows are suspected carriers of the bacteria, transmitting it from deceased livestock.
Ten blackbucks have died at the Tata Steel Zoological Park in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, between December 1 and 6 due to a suspected outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia. This disease, caused by Pasteurella bacteria, has also recently led to 38 blackbuck deaths in Belagavi, Karnataka, highlighting a concerning vulnerability within the species.
Zoo officials reported that out of 18 blackbucks, only eight now remain. The affected animals exhibited symptoms similar to pneumonia, including breathing distress, fever, and neck swelling, though the disease progresses much faster in wild ungulates. Antibacterial spraying is in progress within enclosures, and preventative measures are being administered to other animals.
Investigations suggest that crows, acting as scavengers for deceased livestock, may be transmitting the bacteria to the zoo environment, a common pathway in both rural and urban settings. The final post-mortem report is expected soon, but the current situation is considered contained, with ongoing treatment for the surviving blackbucks.
