Female elephant dies from anthrax infection in Coimbatore reserve forest

Forest department staff in Coimbatore made the discovery during a routine patrol of Gopanari reserve forest on October 13, when they came across the dead elephant. Initial investigations prompted authorities to conduct laboratory testing on blood samples extracted from the carcass.

Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of anthrax, a bacterial disease that can prove fatal to wildlife and domesticated animals alike. The pathogen, caused by Bacillus anthracis, poses a significant threat to elephant populations and can spread through contaminated grazing areas and water sources.

Following confirmation of the anthrax diagnosis, forest staff implemented immediate containment measures by cremating the carcass to prevent further disease transmission. The Gopanari reserve forest, part of the larger Coimbatore wildlife ecosystem, remains under close monitoring by forest authorities to assess whether additional animals may have been exposed to the infection.

Anthrax outbreaks among wild elephants remain a concern for forest management authorities across South India, with periodic incidents reported in reserves across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. Officials continue surveillance operations to detect any additional cases within the region.