Pune, Aug. 14 -- Sixteen spotted deer died at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune between July 6 and 12. Laboratory reports have confirmed that the animals fell victim to the Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) virus.
Following the unusual deaths in such a short period, organ samples of the animals were sent for testing to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. The lab confirmed the presence of the MCF virus in some of the dead deer. This marks the first recorded case of this infection among wildlife in India.
While the virus is harmless to humans, it is extremely dangerous and often fatal to wildlife and livestock. The infection spreads rapidly and primarily originates from goats and sheep, but it can also aff...