Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, October 04 2021: Carcasses of water buffaloes were found in the open grazing hill ranges of New Tusom village, border to Nagaland, suspected to be Haemorrhagic Septicaemia attack in the area.
According to the villagers, more than 10 buffaloes were reportedly killed within five days of infection from the dreadful disease.
Speaking to media persons, New Tusom VDC vice chairman, Chinaorar Vashum stated that the report of cattles death was first reported from the villages of Kangjan and Aksten under Meluri Sub-division of Nagaland in the beginning of September.
A laboratory test was conducted by Nagaland State Veterinary Department to specify the aetiology of the unspecified disease that killed a number of buffaloes in Kangjan village under Meluri sub-division of Phek district and was confirmed to be Haemorrhagic Septicaemia.
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Water buffaloes found dead in New Tusom
Chinaorar mentioned that the grazing hill ranges of New Tusom "Laitram, Mukphi, Seiyikhong and Laizang" shared boundaries with Kangjan, Aksten and Wahong, where the outbreak of Haemorrhagic Septicaemia was confirmed.
The infected buffaloes developed similar symptoms and have strong suspicion of the same disease 'Haemorrhagic Septicaemia', he added.
According to livestock owners from New Tusom, the bacterial infection has killed more than 10 buffaloes in 5 days.
They mentioned that the infected buffaloes became weak and inactive, lacked appetite with severe breathing difficulties and were found dead within 2-3 days.
It might be mentioned that New Tusom villagers were rearing more than 1000 cattles in the hill ranges and is one of the main sources of income for the villagers with one matured Buffalo costing about Rs 50,000 to 70,000.The villagers also expressed their apprehension that many more local buffaloes might have been infected with the contagious Haemorrhagic Septicaemia and as precautionary measures, they have isolated their buffaloes by setting separate cow herd fences in the hill ranges.
Chinaorar Vashum further informed that the village authority has reported to the Minister of Animal Husbandry for his intervention and also to send medical experts from the State Veterinary Department to investigate & establish the exact cause of death and to treat and contain the disease from spreading to other villages.