Now Reading: Garden herb used to treat tigress with deadly virus
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Garden herb used to treat tigress with deadly virus
Veterinarians in Madhya Pradesh have turned to a common garden herb to treat a tigress infected with a deadly viral disease at the School of Wildlife and Forensic Health in Jabalpur. The injured big cat, from the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Nauradehi, has been under care for over a month.
The herb, known for its antiviral properties, is being used as part of an experimental treatment protocol. Officials have not yet named the specific herb or disclosed the tigress's current condition. The animal was found injured in the reserve and later tested positive for the virus.
Wildlife experts are closely monitoring the tigress's response to the treatment. The case is seen as a potential breakthrough in managing viral infections in wild animals, though authorities have not confirmed a timeline for recovery.
Indian Opinion Analysis
This case is rare because antiviral treatments for large wild cats are not standardised. Most wildlife hospitals rely on supportive care, not targeted drugs. If the herb works, it could open a low-cost option for forest departments in reserves where budgets are tight. Madhya Pradesh has the highest tiger population in India, so any new treatment has large implications. The herb in question is likely one already used in traditional veterinary medicine, but the key will be whether the tigress sheds the virus completely. Watch for the next viral load test result, which will decide if the protocol is expanded to other infected animals.
Source: ndtv.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
