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Zoo Antelopes Die: Toxic Report Reveals Rodenticide Poisoning
13 Jan
Summary
- Four chousinghas at Delhi Zoo died from phosphine exposure.
- Toxicology report confirmed presence of phosphine in animal samples.
- Exposure to rodenticides like aluminum phosphide is suspected.
A recent toxicological examination report has identified phosphine as the cause of death for four chousinghas at the Delhi National Zoological Park last month. The findings, issued by the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), indicate that the antelopes were exposed to rodenticides, specifically aluminum phosphide or zinc phosphide.
The IVRI report analyzed rumen and intestinal content samples, which tested positive for phosphine. Crucially, these samples were negative for other common toxins like hydrogen cyanide, nitrates, heavy metals, and pesticides. The institute also analyzed 25 feed samples from the zoo, which were clear of aflatoxin B1 and insecticides.
Following these deaths, zoo authorities were alerted to similar abnormal activity observed in other species, such as the goral. This has prompted a call for increased monitoring of enclosure conditions to prevent further incidents.
