In a concerning series of events, five jackals have died in the Trombay-Chembur belt over the past month, prompting investigations by the forest department. While the reason behind their deaths is unknown, sources from the forest department told mid-day that the sick jackals that were rescued showed behaviours indicative of a potential rabies infection.

“The sick jackals we rescued showed behaviours indicative of a potential rabies infection. However, it is too soon to make any definitive statements. We have taken brain samples from one deceased jackal and will send them to the veterinary college lab for testing to check for rabies,” said a forest department 
official.