The prolonged dry weather conditions over Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could have led to the reemergence of the anthrax bacteria in the forests of Tamil Nadu.
Animal experts say that, in the past, whenever an outbreak of anthrax was noticed in the jungles of Tamil Nadu, a prolonged drought had also been observed.
Veteran wildlife expert A.J.T. John Singh, who has worked on elephants in Tamil Nadu extensively, says anthrax can be deadly for elephant herds in the forests of Tamil Nadu and those in the border areas of Karnataka.
“Elephants have no state boundaries and they often move from one forest to another in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. During dry seasons, the animals, especially the pachyderms, go under lot of stress and can easily contract these bacteria.
There are no remedial measures to stop anthrax from spreading among wild elephants. Thankfully, the virus does not spread immediately and we have a good elephant population in the southern states,” Mr Singh said.
Dr Chettiyappa, who is the chief wildlife veterinarian at Bannerghatta Zoo and an expert elephant vet, said negligence during the disposal of elephant carcass is the main reason for the spread of anthrax.
“The bacteria can form in a pore and settle on the animal body and even in the bones. If the anthrax-hit animal is dead, it must be buried with layers of limestone or burnt completely.
If the carcass is left unattended, then there are chances of the bacteria spreading which is difficult to cure among wild elephants. Anthrax bacteria can be transmitted through air or when consumed by elephants when the bacteria is settled on blades of grass. When consumed, the bacteria dwell inside the elephant and causes death,” Dr Chettiyappa explained.
He also said that wildlife veterinarians have banned conducting autopsy of elephants and other animals which have died due to anthrax. “The best way to control the disease is to dispose of the carcass as the bacteria can stay on in the body for nearly a hundred years,” he added.
Wildlife experts have demanded a complete ban on entry of domestic cattle inside wildlife areas.