Taluka put on high alert after 7 monkeys die in Pernem forests
the goan I network
BELAGAVI
People in the villages in Khanapur taluka bordering Goa have been told to observe high alert after seven monkeys were found dead in the forests bordering Khanapur and Goa. Health and forest authorities have raised an alarm fearing possible outbreak of KFD (monkey fever).
Fresh from the memories of the monkey fever that had infected a large number of villagers in Khanapur taluka working at the distilleries in Goa last year, tension gripped among villagers after the news of the dead monkeys spread across Khanapur taluka.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Basavraj Patil instructed his subordinates in Khanapur to remain on alert and create awareness among villagers to initiate preventive measures.
“Last year, we had taken sufficient measures to check the outbreak of the dreaded disease. Though no cases of monkey fever have been reported this year, I have asked my team to remain on alert after the death of the monkeys and to be prepared for a possible vaccination drive, while also creating awareness among the villagers,” District Health Officer Dr Appasaheb Naratti said.
Meanwhile, tension has gripped the villagers further as about 29 persons from the Sindhudurg district from villages bordering Goa have been infected with monkey fever.
“In March last year, workers from Chapoli, Amte, Murgavi and Jamboti in Western Khanapur taluka who were working at cashew processing and distilling centers at Keri were infected and the cashew processing season is in full swing. We are alert and prepared to face any possible eventuality, but we also appeal to Goan authorities to remain on high alert,” said Dr Naratti.
