16 deer died due to foot and mouth disease at Katraj Zoo. PMC issued show cause notices to senior officials, raising serious questions about animal care, hygiene, and food quality at the facility.
Pune | August 1, 2025: Following the shocking deaths of 16 chital deer due to red-khurkut (foot and mouth disease) in Pune’s Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park at Katraj, the Municipal Commissioner has taken stern action by issuing show cause notices to key officials. Superintendent of the Parks Department Ashok Ghorpade and Zoo Director Dr. Rajkumar Jadhav have been ordered to submit explanations within four days.
Between July 7 and 12, 16 deer from the zoo’s population of 99 reportedly died, raising serious questions about food quality, care, and disease prevention in the facility. Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation spending crores annually on animal safety and care, the sudden fatalities shocked authorities and citizens alike.
Investigations and sample testing were undertaken by multiple institutions, and a report from the National Foot and Mouth Disease Research Center, Bhubaneswar confirmed that the deer succumbed to foot and mouth disease.
This has sparked questions about the management of the zoo—especially the dietary and hygienic conditions provided to the animals. If proper care and diet were maintained, how did such a deadly disease spread? Due to this lapse, the municipal administration is expected to consider disciplinary action depending on the officials’ responses.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NewsDotz/
Twitter – https://x.com/NewsDotz