Ukhrul: In what was a big loss for the cattle owners for the villages in the north of Ukhrul district, at least 256 water buffaloes have died due to unknown disease. Death casualties were reported at Wahong, Kharasom, Razai Khullen, New Tusom, Tusom CV, and Tusom Khullen. Given the nature of the epidemic, a team of State veterinary and animal husbandry visited New Tusom village on October 5, and had collected the sample for testing.
According to Joy Horam, president Northern Raphei Students’ Union, till date the epidemic had claimed 97 water buffaloes at Wahong village; 80 at New Tusom village, 21 at Tusom CV, 3 at Tusom Khullen, 25 at Kharasom and 30 at Razai Khullen.
Altogether, 256 asiatic breed belonging to different owners had succumbed to the unknown disease.
The NRSU president Joy alleged that even after one month since the collection of the death carcass sample, authorities concerned are yet to provide the findings.
He had also urged the authorities to provide the findings while appealing to the state government to provide assistance to the cattle owners so that their plight is mitigated.
He continued that in Jessami block, there are approximately 3620 water buffaloes.
A matured water buffaloes cost approximately 1 lakh.
In view of the reported deadly nature of the disease, a timely vaccination and awareness campaign is needed. Active participation by the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry department of the district in providing practical training is what the cattle owners want as cattle plays a vital role in their sustenance ( income generation).
Question arises whether authorities’ concern will provide assistance to the family that had incurred heavy losses.
Raphei Katamnao Saklong and the Northern Raphei Students’ Union had expressed strong grief over the reported death of around 50 buffalos of asiatic breed in New Tusom and Wahong village in remote north of Ukhrul district during the press conference held in Ukhrul town on October 6.
They had also urged the concerned department to be more proactive in providing services to the cattle rearing owners.
Water buffaloes fatalities case was first reported in New Tusom. The death buffaloes showed symptoms of acute bodily weaknesses prior to their death.
Concerned departments need to conduct more awareness campaigns and provide necessary training to the villagers especially the livestock owners so that they are better equipped to handle any eventualities.
Buffalo’s death was also reported in Manipur’s neighbouring Nagaland state in recent months and was found to be “hemorrhagic septicemia”.