Elephant death raises Anthrax fear

KOCHI: The unnatural death of an elephant, suspected of Anthrax, at the Periyar Tiger Reserve a couple of days ago has raised fears of an epidemic outbreak. With Forest Veterinary officials suspecting symptoms of Anthrax in the animal, samples have been sent for detailed tests. A final confirmation will be made only after the results of the tests are out.It was last week that a female elephant was found dead at Vallakkadavu range, opposite to Nellikkampetti in the Thekkady range. The forest officials reached the spot and carried out a detailed examina-tion.  Since Anthrax was suspected, its body was burnt without carrying out a postmortem examination. “Samples were sent to the laboratory at Palode. In a couple of days the results will be out. Since the elephant is suspected to have died of Anthrax, the body was not cut open,” said veterinary officials. Forest officials said that generally the Anthrax virus will be alive for over 30 years. “Even if it is Anthrax, the virus must have been alive in the soil for such a long time. We don’t think there is  the possibility of an  epidemic outbreak in the wake of  this incident,” said offi- cials.