Belagavi (Karnataka) Jan 5 (IANS): In a shocking incident, as many as 22 cattle died after allegedly being bitten by wild fox at Venkatapura village in Mudalagi taluk of Belagavi district. The incident came to light on Wednesday.

Since December 26 last year, cows, buffaloes and calves have been dying mysteriously after coming back from grazing.

The villagers brought this matter to the notice of the animal husbandry department, following which the Deputy Director of Belagavi, A.K. Chandrashekar, visited the village to conduct inspection. According to preliminary investigations, it has come to light that the deaths occurred due to fox bite.

The animal husbandry department has arranged for anti-rabies vaccination for all cattle in Venkatapura and surrounding villages, while the caretakers are keeping a vigil on their cattle.

Veterinary doctors said that the viscera of the dead cattle has been sent to laboratories in Bengaluru and Ooty to ascertain the exact cause of death.