Water Buffalo epidemic spreads
NRSU urges Veterinary Dept to conduct mass vaccination drive
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, October 06 2021: In view of the increasing mortality of water buffaloes in Ukhrul, the Northern Raphei Student Union (NRSU) has urged the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department to organise a massive vaccination drive in all extreme northern villages under Jessami block, Ukhrul.

Speaking to media persons, the president of NRSU, Joy Horam expressed his apprehension on the outbreak of a "Water buffaloes epidemic" in the region, which has started spreading across the extreme northern villages of Ukhrul, border to Nagaland and Myanmar while adding that about 18 neighbouring villages have common grazing fields and mountain ranges.

He mentioned that more than 3600 indigenous water buffaloes were domesticated in the area and the first case of water buffalo mortality was reported from New Tusom village, Ukhrul on September 30 .

Water Buffalo epidemic spreads

The infection has now spread from New Tusom to Tusom CV, Tusom Khullen, Wahong Khullen and Wahong Khunou village with more than 50 buffaloes reported dead within the week, he added.

Joy Horam also stated that the infection may spread to all the neighbouring villages (Kharasom, Challou, Chingjaroi, Jessami, Soraphung, Kuingai ) in a short time.

Meanwhile, New Tusom Village Development Committee (VDC), vice chairman Chinaorar Horam said that on Tuesday, a team of Veterinary Doctors visited New Tusom village and collected sampling of death buffaloes for laboratory test at Imphal in order to establish and ascertain the exact cause of death.

The visiting team also organised a vaccination drive in the village and distributed antibiotics for immediate treatment.

New Tusom villagers also expressed gratitude to 45-Chingai AC MLA, Khashim Vashum for his immediate response to the call of the poor villagers and arranging/assisting the timely arrival of the veterinary doctors and staff in the village.

Moreover, Northern Raphei Student Union has appealed to the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department to conduct a massive vaccination drive in all the villages under Jessami block to prevent the spread of the disease and to organise a medical camp to educate the villagers on systematic/ scientific rearing of animals.