The discovery of two decomposed monkey carcasses in Haladi, Udupi district, has heightened concerns over a series of primate deaths reported across Kundapur and Byndoor taluks in recent months. Since September, authorities have recorded at least 20 such deaths, prompting a multi-departmental response and increased surveillance in the coastal region.
Timeline of Incidents and Official Response
The first incident that triggered alarm was reported in September near a temple in Shankaranarayana, where a severely decomposed carcass was found. Soon after, another decayed carcass was detected in the same vicinity. While cases of the tick-borne Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) typically emerge around November, the situation took a more urgent turn when four monkey deaths were recorded near Hosangady on December 15.
Given similar incidents previously reported from the neighbouring Shivamogga district, officials decided to intensify monitoring across the coastal belt. A joint team comprising officials from the health, forest, veterinary, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) departments was swiftly assembled to conduct thorough field inspections.
Challenges in Investigation and Preventive Measures
The investigation faced a significant hurdle as several of the recovered carcasses were in a highly decomposed state, making it impossible to collect viable samples for laboratory analysis in many instances. Despite this setback, authorities shifted their focus to robust preventive measures.
These measures include comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness, systematic fever surveys in local communities, and rigorous tick surveillance in areas identified as vulnerable. The proactive approach continued with a survey on December 22, where officials were alerted to a monkey that had drowned. A postmortem was conducted on this specimen, and samples were sent for testing.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Vigilance
The mystery deepened with two more monkey deaths reported in Hosangady on December 24. In a subsequent discovery, seven decomposed carcasses were found near Madamakki. From this latter group, officials managed to collect samples from one carcass, which have been sent for analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
The precise cause behind the string of deaths remains unascertained, with officials awaiting laboratory results. In a parallel line of inquiry, authorities are also tracking individuals involved in capturing monkeys in the area to rule out any human-induced factors. Officials have assured the public that all necessary precautionary measures are currently in place to manage the situation and prevent any potential spread of disease to humans.
