100 monkeys dead in Bali

DENPASAR, Bali: Local legislator urged authorities to probe seriously the cause of the death of hundreds of animals in a `monkey forest' during recent weeks.

Spokesman of the local council Nyoman Rudia said the meeting has agreed to set up a special team to save the remaining monkeys after a hearing with officials from forestry, agriculture and farming agencies here yesterday.

Data shows that a total of 107 monkeys has died, 73 at Sangeh, 18 at Ubud, and 16 at Alas Kedaton, Antara reported.

Experts diagnosed that the animals died of 'streptococcus' bacteria, which is suspected to come from the disease called Septichaemia Epizootica which prevalently attacks pigs.

Some 882 pigs had died of the disease and other 3,084 could not be eaten, he said. (prs)