High alert in Panna National Park

Panna, MP, June 7 (UNI) With the spreading of rabies among 'Son' dogs in Panna National Park, a threat has been posed to wild animals.

Park's field director G Krishnamurthy said a high alert has been sounded in the park in view of suspicion that rabies had spread among 'Son' dogs and field staff had been asked to keep a close watch on these dogs.

Four dogs, who had gone to drink water near Kamani pond in the park's Mandala range, were found dead. Preliminary investigation revealed that the dogs died because of rabies.

Their viscera had been sent to Sagar and Jabalpur for examination.

Expressing concern over the death of dogs, wildlife veterinarian S K Gupta said other wild animals could contract the disease if they were attacked by rabies-affected dogs.

He said 'Son' dogs moved in groups for hunting and even tigers were afraid of them.

A female elephant, Gangamati, had died because of rabies in the park in 2003.

UNI