Carcasses of 11 monkeys found in Tumakuru district

The carcasses of 11 monkeys, including two langurs, were recently found in Tumakuru district They were suspected to have died due to food poisoning.

On January 2, upon receiving information that dead monkeys were found dead in Durgadahalli near Devarayanadurga forest area, the Forest Department personnel visited the spot and found the carcasses of six monkeys and one langur. Later, while combing the area, the personnel found the carcasses of three more monkeys and one langur.

The Chief Veterinary Officer of the Urdigere Hospital was called in and a post-mortem was conducted by veterinarians who found rice in the stomach and intestines of the dead monkeys. Preliminary investigation revealed that the monkeys might have died due to food poisoning.

The viscera samples were later sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals in Bengaluru for further examination.

The Forest Department officials have said that none of the deceased monkeys were suspected to have died of monkey fever.

A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and investigation is under way.