The Vitebsk Veterinary Academy is trying to determine the cause of the mass death of deer in the Dokshitsky district

The cause of the mass death of deer in the Dokshitsy district is now being investigated at the Vitebsk Veterinary Academy, the head of the Dokshitsy District Department of Internal Affairs, Maryan Gigola, told a BELTA correspondent.

The Prosecutor's Office of the Vitebsk region has extended the inspection period in the case of mass death of European deer in the Dokshitsy district until February 23 to establish the accurate amount of damage. While specialists are calculating the damage, the Department of Internal Affairs decided to contact the Vitebsk Academy of Veterinary Medicine to determine the true cause of the animals' death. "This is the first time we have encountered such an unusual case, and to clarify all the circumstances, on the advice of the prosecutor's office, we decided to seek the help of scientists," added the head of the Department of Internal Affairs. "Three carcasses have been sent for research."

For now, law enforcement agencies have no reason to claim that the deer were poisoned. They consider improper feeding, temperature fluctuations, and a possible viral disease as the most likely causes of death. The preliminary amount of damage is estimated at Br76.4 million. The inspection will be completed within the deadlines set by the prosecutor's office, said Maryan Gigola.

As previously reported, more than 40 European deer died in the BOOR hunting farm of the Dokshitsy district at the end of 2012. Dead deer were discovered by employees of the hunting farm. Police officers and the inter-district inspection for the protection of fauna and flora were immediately called to the scene.

Currently, about 30 European deer are kept at the hunting farm. The animals are in perfect condition, and their health is not threatened, the farm employees assured the BELTA correspondent.

photo: kraj.by