At least 15 deer die in a fortnight in Uttar Pradesh

Sikandra (UP), Sept 20 : A possible outbreak of gastroenteritis killed at least15 deer within a fortnight at an enclosure near Agra.

The enclosure is part of the tomb area of Mughal King Akbar, home to around00 deer.

Forest officials said post mortem reports suggested death due to gastroenteritis.

"Doctors in their postmortem report have suggested gastroenteritis. It is a kind of disorder of abdomen and intestine. This is gastric problem. Preliminary symptoms in the dead deer are of lose motion," said S. K Janu, district forest officer of Agra.

Officials said a committee has been setup to investigate the case.

"Deaths of four to five young ones is the subject of concern. A committee has been set up, which will be here for two-three days, to investigate the whole habitat. They see whether the deer are to be kept here or shifted to some other location," R. P. Bharti, chief forest conservator, said.

The area has been closed for the visitors after the deaths.

A veterinarian has been posted at the enclosure.

India has a distinction of having largest number of deer species in the world.

ANI