Farmers panicked as mysterious disease kills cattle

Cattle farmers in Birganj Upazila are grappling with distress as an unknown disease has led to the death of numerous cows and buffaloes.  At least 40 cows have succumbed to the unknown disease Prannagar Ghoshpara area under Satore union of the upazila, while another set of approximately fifty cows are ailing in various farms.

The gravity of the situation is evident as farmers struggle to comprehend and address the mysterious ailment affecting their livestock. The severity of the situation became apparent when district and upazila animal resource officers visited affected farms after receiving distressing reports.

Samples were promptly collected and dispatched to Dhaka for further analysis, and a specialized team from Dhaka visited the site on Tuesday to assess the situation. Gopal Ghosh and Anand Ghosh, residents of Prannagar Ghoshpara in Birganj Upazila, are two brothers who, in 2000, established a farm with a few cows, aspiring to achieve self-sufficiency.

Over the years, the number of cows in their farm grew steadily, reaching 130 this year. The farm was producing approximately 200 liters of milk daily, contributing to their goal of self-reliance. However, tragedy struck when an unknown disease claimed the lives of 35 cows on their farm within a week.

The impact of the mysterious disease extended beyond Gopal and Anand Ghosh's farm. Three cows and one buffalo at Chanchal Dairy Farm nearby, along with one cow from a neighboring farmer's property, also succumbed to the unknown ailment. The consecutive deaths have left farmers disoriented and panic-stricken, heightening concerns in the community.

Gopal Ghosh expressed his grief, stating, "I currently have 130 different breeds of cows and buffaloes on my farm. Last Wednesday night, some cows suddenly fell ill. Their mouths turned red, and before we could comprehend the situation, one by one, the cows and buffaloes succumbed to death. The nature of the disease remains uncertain. I've been farming cows since 2000, and I've never encountered such a problem. It is heartbreaking to witness so many cows die suddenly before my eyes. By Monday night, 35 cows on the farm had perished."

Govind Ghosh, owner of Chanchal Dairy Farm, shared his concern, noting that despite efforts from veterinarians, no cure had been found for the mysterious disease. The upazila animal resource officers were also reportedly unaware of the specific disease. With the continuous loss of cattle, farmers are now contemplating their next steps.

District Veterinary Officer Ashika Akbar Trisha shed light on the situation, saying, "The death of cows and buffaloes has been investigated, and samples have been sent to Dhaka. The preliminary cause of death is identified as 'Khura Roga,' leading to the demise of the cattle. A team of experts from Dhaka has visited the affected area, engaging with farmers and providing comprehensive support."

The rapid spread of the unknown disease has led to the untimely demise of a significant number of cows and buffaloes, causing distress and panic among the farming community. Despite efforts by local authorities and veterinary professionals, the origin and cure of the ailment remain elusive. As farmers grapple with the economic and emotional toll, the collaborative investigation and support from experts offer a glimmer of hope for understanding and mitigating the impact of this alarming agricultural crisis.