Unknown disease claims over 25 livestock
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, May 26 2014: A mysterious disease has reportedly claimed over 25 Water Buffaloes in Leijangphai valley of Thanlon subdivision sending panic among the farmers who were dependent on the livestock for tilling field.

The outbreak of the unknown disease that claimed several livestock in the tiny patch of valley area located within the hilly terrains of the district was felt since early this month.

Several buffaloes succumbed one after another in Leijangphai proper and Sainoujang village.

The villages which are barely 5 kms apart were located about 120 kms away from here.

Daiminthang, a member of Sinoujang Village Authority claimed that about 15 buffalos from his village had died since May 4, while the toll at Leijangphai is pegged at around 10 so far.

The number could be much higher as the epidemic, if it has to be, would not spare the buffaloes which are let loose in the wild as well, he said.

The toll is yet to be confirmed officially.

The VA member said most of the 100 odd families residing at Leijangphai and another 35 families at Sainoujang are farmers tilling the tiny land, which is estimated to be around 30 hectares (pari), to eke out their living.

The water buffaloes being indispensable to their farming activities, they were at lost how to go about in their absence, he added.

He said some of the dead animals they had dissected have holes in their lungs while some spotted dark areas in the abdomen.

Those infected by the disease have foam out of their mouth and were unable to lick neither water nor salt.

It is pertinent to mention that sometime in February-March, the massive death of livestock was reported in Behiang area.

However CSOs following the case have ascertained that the animals had died of poisoning.

It is said that some people had used poison to catch fish in the river and numerous animals that drank the poisoned water had either died or suffered a serious form of illness, prompting local organisation to announce ban on use of poisonous chemicals in the rivers.

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