VALPOI: There was anxiety among the residents as seven monkeys were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Keri-Sattari, reviving fears of the Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) or monkey fever, which claimed some lives and affected some locals in Sattari in the past.
The incident prompted the Forest Department officials to undertake combing operations in and around Keri to check if there were any more monkey deaths in the area.
However, a post mortem was conducted but the report remained inconclusive. Further tests will be conducted at the forensic lab in Pune, the results of which are expected in the coming days.
Two days ago, four monkeys were found dead in the area, triggering panic among locals. A veterinary officer had conducted the panchanama followed by the post mortem.
Taking note of the situation, the Forest Department has commenced combing operations in the forest areas in and around the Keri village to check for monkey deaths if any.
“The department has been active in controlling the situation following the deaths of seven monkeys. We have appealed to people in the area to intimate the department if any monkey is found dead,” said Girish Bailudkar, Range Forest officer.
