TB checkup held for Kaziranga elephants

From providing elephant safari to tourists and ensuring the security of Kaziranga National Park the departmental elephants are used in various activities of the park. These departmental elephants were given medical treatment at various times but for the first time the elephants have been medically examined for TB and proper treatment would be provided if any elephant is found affected by it. According to park sources from 29th May a weeklong camp was held at Kaziranga National Park where 52 departmental elephants of Agoratoli, Kohora, Bagori and Burapahar range were checked up for any signs of TB.

Dr. Tikendrajit Hazarika, the Veterinary officer of the park in association with Dr. Anjan Talukadar of Assam Veterinary College, Khanapara and Mr. Tapan Das, member of Aranyak collected the blood samples of all 52 elephants and tested for TB. Out of the 52 elephants, Jaimala, the departmental elephant of Agoratoli range has been diagnosed with TB. It is sad that 15 years ago the same elephant has been infected with TB. Since TB is highly contagious, it is possible that other animals of the park may contact the disease from Jaimala However Specialist doctors from Assam Vetenery College have already been called for the treatment of Jaimala. It is pertinent to mention here that Kaziranga National Park has been feeling the dearth of trained Mahouts for taking proper care of the elephants.