NEW DELHI, Sept 20 (NNN-PTI) – At least seven leopard cubs died, due to a virus outbreak, at Bengaluru Bannerghatta Biological Park, in India’s south-western state of Karnataka, officials said, yesterday.
The first death was reported on Aug 22, and the death toll had risen to seven by Sept 5.
According to officials, the cubs, aged between three and 10 months, died due to the feline panleukopenia virus, which is commonly found in cats, and this is the first time the cat family species in the park has been infected with this virus.
Most of the leopard cubs at the park were captured in different parts of the state. They were shifted to the park for rehabilitation.
“All the cubs were vaccinated and were infected, before they were given a second dose,” A. V. Surya Sen, the park’s executive director, told media.
Following the deaths, authorities have taken precautions, like sanitisation and vaccination, to contain the spread of infection.
Reports said there are 80 leopards undergoing rehabilitation at the park.– NNN-PTI
