Disease stalks poultry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30 2021:
An unknown viral disease has spread among the poultry mainly chicken and ducks in Achanbigei of Imphal East District which has led to massive deaths of poultry in the last few days.
It is estimated that more than a thousand birds have died due to the outbreak of this unknown disease since the past few days which have instilled fear among the poultry farmers of more death toll in the coming days.
While speaking to this reporter, a resident of Achanbigei Mayai Leikai who reared around 80 kuroilers for their eggs stated that in the past few days, 4-5 birds are dying on a daily basis.
A farmer who was rearing around 600 broilers stated that more than 400 birds have died while in another poultry farm which had around 1500 birds, 300 birds have died due to the outbreak.
Due to the spread of the unknown disease, numerous birds have fallen sick leading to widespread death of poultry in Achanbigei Awang Leikai, Mayai Leikai and Makha Leikai.
The poultry farmers have started selling full grown birds at a minimal cost of 100-300 rupees per bird just to get some money without thinking of the profits.
Talking about the symptoms of the disease, a farmer said initially the birds are lethargic with nasal discharge, lack appetite and become weak and followed by discharge of green coloured stools.
They have been provided medication with consultation from veterinary outlets but it has not yielded any effects, he added.
He further stated that the disease has majorly affected the birds which are around 4-5 months old while birds which are one to one and a half year old are immune to this disease even when they are kept with the sick birds.