Delhi Zoo officials allay fears of anthrax outbreak

Delhi Zoo authorities today sought to allay apprehensions of an anthrax outbreak in the facility following the death of a rhino.

Delhi Zoo authorities on Wednesday sought to allay apprehensions of an anthrax outbreak in the facility following the death of a rhino.

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"100 % not anthrax. The rhino died of a heart attack or brain haemorrhage," Delhi Zoo curator Riaz Khan told PTI.

There were apprehensions of anthrax being the cause of death of a rhinoceros named 'Junior Raja' last week. Experts had visited the zoo yesterday and 22 Zoo officials were asked to take precautions.

Khan said the rhino's blood samples were sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh and they were awaiting the report.

"We are expecting a detailed report. But no symptom of anthrax have been found in workers or rhino. Other animals are also perfectly alright," Khan said.

"The soil and climate in Delhi are also not favourable for anthrax," he added.

Officials said the zoo will be open for public as usual.