Pathogenic bacterial diversity and debsity in the mangroves of the Andamans,
India

Abstract :

Disease management in elephants is a challenging task not only because of the magnificent size of these creatures but also by the limitations of our knowledge. Elephants are susceptible to a wide variety of infectious and non-infectious disease conditions. Infectious diseases include anthrax, believed to be spread indirectly through livestock. We have studied the prevalence of anthrax in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and the respective disease management in Sathyamangalam Wildlife sanctuary, South India. We have recorded death of five free ranging wild elephants including four female and one male elephants due to anthrax during the period of 2006-2010. Vaccination against anthrax was done for 40316 livestock (13,854 of cattle, 26462 of goat and sheep) population which helped in the prevention of further spread of anthrax. More investigation on the geographical distribution and prevalence of anthrax in wild elephants/ domestic animal interface areas, improved field diagnostic techniques and efficacy of vaccines, is necessary to provide a better disease management and for effective conservation of elephants in Tamil Nadu, India.