July 26,2025 — The death of 16 spotted deer (chitals) at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune earlier this month has been attributed to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), according to a laboratory report released this week. Zoo officials and veterinary authorities confirmed that the viral infection was the cause behind the sudden fatalities.
Veterinary teams from the zoo had initially suspected the outbreak when multiple deer began exhibiting classic symptoms of FMD, including fever, excessive salivation, and lameness. Samples were immediately sent to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL) in Pune for testing, which has now confirmed the presence of the highly contagious FMD virus.
“As soon as the symptoms were observed, we took precautionary measures by isolating the affected animals and sealing off the enclosure,” said Dr. Ranjit Mohite, Chief Veterinarian of the zoo. “We also began disinfecting the premises and alerted the animal husbandry department.”
Foot and Mouth Disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as deer, cattle, goats, and pigs. Though not typically fatal in adult animals, it spreads rapidly through direct contact or contaminated surfaces, and can have severe implications for animal populations in confined spaces like zoos.
Officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) stated that no new cases have been reported since the containment measures were implemented. “The situation is currently under control,” said PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale. “Veterinary teams are closely monitoring all susceptible animals and have started a vaccination drive inside the park.”
The National Zoological Authority of India has been notified about the incident and is expected to review the zoo’s biosecurity protocols. Officials also confirmed that visitors are not at risk, as the disease does not pose a serious threat to human health. However, staff and visitors have been advised to follow basic hygiene protocols to prevent any unintentional transmission.
“This is a serious but manageable situation,” said Dr. Aruna Deshmukh, a virologist with the Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University. “Public health risk is minimal, but such outbreaks highlight the urgent need for routine veterinary screening and preventive care in zoological parks.”
The deaths have raised concern among wildlife experts, who warn that the incident may impact the zoo’s breeding programs and ecological balance. Chitals are listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, but their sudden loss in large numbers within controlled environments can disrupt population management efforts.
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park has now increased sanitation protocols, enhanced animal health monitoring, and limited access to certain enclosures. Authorities are also reviewing whether the infection may have entered through fodder, water, or other indirect vectors.
With the outbreak contained for now, officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and disease surveillance to prevent recurrence. The incident has prompted calls for stronger biosecurity frameworks across Indian zoos to safeguard captive wildlife from infectious diseases.
