(rptng correcting animal species in para one)

Raipur, June 20 (UNI) A zoo in Chhattisgarh has been closed for a fortnight following the death of a hyena rpt hyena due to suspected anthrax infection, a forest official said today.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunil Mishra told UNI that the case of suspected anthrax infection came to notice after the death at Nandanvan zoo at the outskirts of the state capital.

''There are symptoms of anthrax. But the disease is yet to be confirmed,'' he added.

Steps have been taken to maintain cleanliness in the zoo and all animals were being given antibiotic doses, he said, adding that the employees and others in contact with the zoo are being administered a five-day vaccination course.

Quoting medical experts, Mr Mishra said, there was no threat to humans. Blood samples of cattle from the nearby places were being collected for examination.

''We have advised vaccination of cattle in a radius of five kilometer,'' he said, adding the local administration, health and animal husbandry departments were alerted.

Experts trained at the Wildlife Research Institute at Dehra Dun, were available within the state but the latter would seek the services of more experts, if necessary.

UNI