Summary:
The forest officials suspect that the deaths may be an anthrax outbreak and the blood and tissue samples of collected from the carcasses have been sent to the laboratory of the Animal Resources Development (ARD) department for tests. "We have already isolated the Sisamara beat area of the national park by preventing any animals from encroaching the area from where the deaths have been reported. We have started vaccination of all the rhinoceros that inhabit the forest as per advice of the ARD department. The total count of rhinoceros at Jaldapara National Park as per report released in June last year was 239.There are other herbivores like gaur, sambar, deer and elephant inhabiting the national park. Sources in the Forest department said that a census of rhinos has been planned from March 12 to 14 which may be deferred due to this issue..