Kanpur: Two blackbucks, a male and a female, have died at Kanpur Zoo during the ongoing spell of rain, with zoo authorities suspecting bacterial infection as the cause. Viscera samples of both animals have been sent to a laboratory in Bareilly to confirm the disease and ascertain the cause of death.The female blackbuck died around 10 days ago, while the male succumbed two days back. Both animals had become lethargic, reduced their food intake and grown weak. Although treatment initially led to some improvement, their condition failed to return to normal.Zoo director Dr Kanhaiya Patel said blackbucks are prone to bacterial infection during the rainy season.The zoo currently houses more than 87 blackbucks.Stool tests conducted last month had detected stomach worms in the animals. After deworming medicines failed to produce the expected results, the zoo administration provided further treatment, following which their condition showed improvement.
