Why deaths of cattle head spread panic among livestock owners

In Hisar district, the sudden death of several cattle, including buffaloes and cows, in the city and in Harikot village has spread panic among livestock owners. Veterinary experts have urged cattle breeders to heed their advice to prevent further losses.

How many heads of cattle have died in Hisar district in the past week?

Panic has gripped livestock owners in Harikot village after the sudden death of about 10 cattle, including buffaloes and cows, over the past seven days. Villagers, unaware of the cause, have been disposing of the dead animals. Similarly, about 20 cows were found dead at different locations in Hisar town on September 22.

 What is suspected to be the cause of cattle deaths in Harikot village?

While villagers feared foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Dr Mitu from the Animal Husbandry Department clarified that the deaths were not due to FMD but likely caused by a viral infection linked to stagnant, contaminated water. She added that vaccination for haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) and FMD had been initiated and veterinary teams had been dispatched to treat affected cattle.

Could flooding and waterlogging be the reasons behind it?

Veterinary experts believe the viral infection spread due to cattle consuming stagnant water. Many villages in Hisar district have been waterlogged for nearly a month following heavy rains and canal breaches. Cattle consuming this contaminated water are reportedly at risk of infection.

What caused the death of cows in Hisar town on September 22?

About 20 cows in Hisar town reportedly died after consuming festive food such as halwa and poori. The dead animals were found in Mahavir Colony, Mill Gate, Sector 14, and nearby localities. Veterinary expert Dr Nilesh Sindhu from the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences (LUVAS) explained that such food can cause acidosis, a condition that severely disrupts the digestive system and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

What are the demands of villagers in Harikot following the deaths?

Alarmed by the loss of livestock, villagers have demanded immediate action from the district administration, including the deployment of a special veterinary team and compensation for affected cattle owners.

What advice have veterinary experts given to the public?

Experts have urged villagers to provide fresh water to cattle instead of leaving them to drink stagnant water. In urban areas, residents have been advised to provide only fresh green fodder and strictly avoid feeding fried or sweet foods that can cause acidosis. Cow protection activist Sitaram Singla also appealed to the public not to feed items like halwa and poori during festivals or religious observances, as these can unintentionally harm animals.