Bhubaneswar, Feb 16: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Shashi Paul visited Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalahandi district on Tuesday to take stock of the situation following death of six elephants.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday expressed concern over death of the elephants in the sanctuary.

Patnaik had reviewed the situation and directed concerned officials to take necessary steps with consultation of experts.

It was revealed in the meeting that as many as six elephants have died within last two weeks after being infected with Pasteurella Multocida bacteria. The infection led to Hemorrhagic Septicemia killing six out of the eight elephant in the herd.

Vaccination of domestic animals and cattle in and around the sanctuary area has begun following the Chief Minister’s direction. And the department is purifying the water bodies inside the sanctuary, the animals are using as drinking water.

Earlier, the government had initiated a high level investigation by a specialized team headed by Professor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).