Pune, 26 July 2025: The death of 16 spotted deer over the past five months at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj has been officially linked to a viral outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), sparking concern across state and central wildlife authorities.
The sudden deaths prompted immediate investigation by state and central agencies. Post-mortem procedures were carried out on the deceased animals, and biological samples were sent for analysis to several specialized laboratories.
These included the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Centre, and wildlife research labs in Nagpur and Bhubaneswar.
Findings from these institutions confirmed that the deer were infected with a viral strain of FMD. The virus significantly compromised the animals’ immune systems. According to veterinary experts, factors such as fluctuating monsoon temperatures, increased humidity, and the stress of enclosed environments further contributed to the high mortality rate.
A special review meeting was held at the zoo on July 24 to discuss the findings and outline preventive steps. Experts including Dr. Vikas Lakadmal, Dr. Chandrashekhar Mote, and Dr. Durgesh Mukate participated in the session. They concluded that the viral outbreak was the primary cause and emphasized the urgent need for habitat and health reforms.
Officials stated that improved sanitation, climate management, and monitoring protocols are now being introduced to ensure the well-being of other animals in the zoo. Efforts are underway to strengthen disease surveillance and minimize risks of future outbreaks.
