Having lost 16 spotted deer to rabies since February, the Delhi zoo has initiated a vaccination drive for its “at risk population” to arrest further casualties.

Zoo officials said a post-mortem report indicated complications arising out of rabies as cause of death. As per standard protocol, samples are now being sent to an independent laboratory for re-testing.

Zoo curator Riyaz Khan said: “We have recorded the death of 16 spotted deer since the past three months.

The animals are suspected to have died of rabies. We have now sent the samples to an independent lab and are waiting for the reports.”

He added that mongoose or civet cats could be the culprits in this case.

“We will be carrying out vaccination programme in clusters to ensure that maximum protection is provided to the animals. The zoo currently houses 100-120 deer.”

Meanwhile, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has asked for a detailed report in the matter.

Post-mortem

report indicated complications arising out of rabies as cause of death