Balasore: Anthrax scare has gripped in Similipal and its neighbouring areas here after an elephant died due to the dreaded bacteria.
The blood test performed by Animal Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) at Phulnakhara area in Cuttack confirmed the presence of anthrax organism in the pachyderm, forcing the veterinary and wildlife officials to conduct a vaccination drive in the neighbouring areas of the reserve.
Notably, 6 pachyderms have died in the Core area of the tiger reserve during the last two years out of which two have died of Anthrax, said Similipal Tiger Reserve Project joint-director Ajit Satpathy.