SHIVAMOGGA: As human–wildlife conflict in Karnataka rises sharply, concerns grow over whether veterinary doctors have the expertise to treat wild animals. Veterinary professionals and faculty from colleges have responded that existing training and skills are insufficient for handling wildlife cases effectively.
In two widely reported incidents, trainee veterinarian Samiksha Reddy entered an enclosure to treat a hippopotamus at Tyavarekoppa Sanctuary, lost her life during the attempt, and the animal also died within a month after losing its unborn calf.
The BVSc curriculum spans five years, followed by a six-month internship. Veterinary medicine addresses animal health, nutrition, veterinary medicine, surgery, production, and disease management. But sources said no veterinary doctors in the country are being trained to handle wildlife, because the curriculum focuses on herbivorous livestock and domestic companion animals.
“Most of what we understand about behaviour— both herbivores and carnivores — is derived from domestic species that live alongside humans, such as cattle and carnivorous animals like dogs and cats,” opined veterinary experts on condition of anonymity.
Speaking to TNIE, Dr Prakash, dean of the Veterinary College, Shivamogga, stated that the existing syllabus does not include any subject or module on how to manage wildlife — how to study their diet and movement patterns, and how to administer treatment appropriately. However, in multiple zoos and wildlife sanctuaries across the state, veterinarians are reportedly treating wild animals on a contract basis.
Earlier, zoo and safari authorities primarily relied on specialists to conduct post-mortem and to determine the cause of death. Their services were also used to dart wildlife for relocation when severe human–wildlife conflicts erupted. In many cases, this approach was used for elephants and, particularly, for the shifting of leopards— often because their numbers are comparatively higher.
Professors argue that, in foreign countries, it is zoologists who work with veterinarians, after both groups develop specialist expertise in wildlife-related fields.
“Even in our universities, zoology students study general aspects such as physiology and anatomy, but they are not trained specifically for wildlife,” said a zoology professor on condition of anonymity.
The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy trains Indian Forest Service probationers, preparing them to conserve the nation’s forests and wildlife.
“Veterinarians can address minor health issues in wildlife. There is an urgent need to provide high-level training to veterinarians in wildlife medicine. Major changes are also expected in the revised veterinary medicine curriculum to be introduced in 2026,” said Dr Prakash N. Doctors and professors are hopeful that experts from the Veterinary Council will examine the issue seriously and take corrective action.