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<p data-start="301" data-end="669"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A sudden disease outbreak has killed ten blackbucks at Tata Steel Zoological Park in Jamshedpur between December 1 and 6, raising serious concerns about animal health and biosecurity in captive facilities. Zoo officials suspect the cause to be <em data-start="545" data-end="571">haemorrhagic septicaemia</em>, locally known as &ldquo;galghontu,&rdquo; a fast-acting bacterial infection caused by <em data-start="647" data-end="660">Pasteurella</em> species.</span></p>
<p data-start="671" data-end="990"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The zoo had 18 blackbucks before the outbreak. With more than half of them dying in less than a week, only eight now remain in the enclosure. Samples from the carcasses have been sent to Ranchi Veterinary College for laboratory confirmation, though early post-mortem findings strongly indicate haemorrhagic septicaemia.</span></p>
<h3 data-start="992" data-end="1042"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong data-start="996" data-end="1042">A Fast-Spreading and Often Fatal Infection</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1044" data-end="1393"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The disease is known for its rapid onset. Animals typically show signs such as swollen necks, high fever, and breathing difficulties, but in many cases the illness advances so quickly that symptoms are barely noticed before death occurs. Zoo veterinarians say the speed at which the blackbucks succumbed points to a highly virulent bacterial strain.</span></p>
<p data-start="1395" data-end="1721"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The outbreak has prompted comparisons to a recent incident in Belagavi, Karnataka, where the same disease killed 38 blackbucks in another zoological facility. Experts warn that the antelope species may have a particular vulnerability to this infection, especially when housed in stressful or changing environmental conditions.</span></p>
<h3 data-start="1723" data-end="1760"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong data-start="1727" data-end="1760">Emergency Measures at the Zoo</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="1762" data-end="2038"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Following the deaths, the Jamshedpur zoo has tightened biosecurity protocols. Enclosures are being disinfected regularly and the remaining animals are under close medical supervision. Preventive antibiotics have been administered to herbivores across the park as a precaution.</span></p>
<p data-start="2040" data-end="2277"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Zoo authorities have notified the Central Zoo Authority and are awaiting further guidance. Nearby zoological parks, including those in Ranchi, have also heightened monitoring and begun preventive treatments to avoid any potential spread.</span></p>
<h3 data-start="2279" data-end="2326"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong data-start="2283" data-end="2326">Larger Questions About Zoo Preparedness</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="2328" data-end="2681"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The incident has renewed questions about the health management systems in Indian zoos. Blackbucks, known for their sensitivity, require consistent veterinary checks, strict hygiene measures, and stress-free environments to maintain strong immunity. Sudden weather changes and enclosure overcrowding can further compromise their resistance to infections.</span></p>
<p data-start="2683" data-end="3022"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wildlife experts say this outbreak should serve as a warning and call for stronger surveillance across zoos, along with regular vaccination drives for susceptible species. Improved disease response protocols, transparent reporting practices, and better-trained veterinary staff are being seen as critical steps to prevent repeat tragedies.</span></p>
<h3 data-start="3024" data-end="3072"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong data-start="3028" data-end="3072">Awaiting Confirmation, But Concerns Grow</strong></span></h3>
<p data-start="3074" data-end="3310"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">While final lab results are still awaited, the pattern of deaths and clinical symptoms leaves little doubt about the suspected cause. For now, the focus remains on containing the outbreak and safeguarding the eight surviving blackbucks.</span></p>
<p data-start="3312" data-end="3508" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">As the investigation continues, the incident has once again highlighted the fragile balance of wildlife care in captivity and the urgent need for better protection measures for vulnerable species.</span></p>
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Suspected ‘Galghontu’ Kills 10 Blackbucks

A rapid bacterial outbreak at Jamshedpur zoo wipes out over half its blackbuck population

Suspected ‘Galghontu’ Kills 10 Blackbucks

A rapid bacterial outbreak at Jamshedpur zoo wipes out over half its blackbuck population

December 8, 2025 | 23:02 IST