T'Puram zoo to test vaccine response in Sambar deer after rabies deaths

In a first-of-its-kind move, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo will send serum samples of sambar deer to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH&VB) in Palode.

- Varsha Somaraj @T'Puram

The aim is to assess how effective the anti-rabies vaccine has been in wild deer following the recent rabies outbreak inside the zoo. The decision comes in the wake of two sambar deer dying of rabies within a span of one week.

The anti-rabies vaccine being used on the deer was developed for domestic animals such as dogs and cattle. It has not been scientifically standardized for use in wild animals like the sambar deer. Zoo officials say that the testing, which was not carried out during earlier outbreaks, is now being taken up due to the recurring nature of the infection.