Anthrax infection kills female elephant in Coimbatore forest; carcass burnt

A female elephant in the Periyanaickenpalayam forest range of the Coimbatore Forest Division has died of anthrax, prompting the Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments to step up vigil against the disease.

Discovery and initial assessment

Forest Department staff found the carcass during a routine patrol in the Gopanari reserve forest within the Periyanaickenpalayam range around 4 p.m. on October 13. Officials said the carcass appeared to be about a day old at the time of discovery.

Veterinarians, after reviewing photographs taken at the site, suspected a possible anthrax infection and recommended immediate testing to confirm the cause of death.

Laboratory confirmation

A blood smear sample collected from the carcass was sent to the Animal Husbandry Department on Wednesday. The department examined the sample and confirmed the presence of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax.

Containment measures

Following the confirmation, a senior Forest Department official said the carcass was burnt on Thursday without opening it, in line with protocol and based on instructions from the Animal Husbandry Department. Personnel involved in handling the carcass wore personal protective equipment during the operation.

Heightened vigilance

In the wake of the confirmation, the Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments have intensified surveillance to monitor and prevent the spread of the disease within the area.

Published: October 15, 2026, 11:03 p.m. IST