7 Leopard Cubs Die After Virus Attack At Bengaluru Biological Park

The seven cubs, aged between three and eight months, died from Feline Panleukopenia infection.

Seven leopard cubs died after a highly contagious virus attack at Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Feline Panleukopenia caused by feline parvovirus is a viral disease attacking cats. The kittens are most severely affected by the virus. The first infection outbreak was recorded on August 22.

The deceased seven cubs were between three and eight months old. They all passed away despite having taken vaccinations for the infection. Even though the seven cubs were immunised, A V Surya Sen, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said that they were still infected.

"It is currently under control, and there have been no reported fatalities in the past 15 days. We have taken all required steps to completely break the chain," he said.

Bannerghatta Biological Park's Executive Director said, "We carried out all necessary steps and had meetings with all of our top veterinarians. The appropriate steps were taken. Additionally, we have made sure that the entire zoo is clean, and the rescue centre was thoroughly sanitised."

He said, "The infection was discovered on August 22 and the seven virus-infected cubs died within a period of 15 days. Four of the nine leopard cubs released into the safari area contracted an infection and died."

"At the rescue facility, three other cubs contracted the infection and died while receiving treatment. Despite receiving adequate care, all those infected passed away within a matter of two weeks," he added.

The official went on to describe the virus' characteristics, claiming that Feline panleukopenia virus fully damages an animal's intestine after infection. He said that the animals develop extreme diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration and eventually causing their death. The disease spreads faster and the infected animal dies in four to five days. Feline panleukopenia do not infect humans.