Date:29/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/29/stories/2007072954710700.htm

Tamil Nadu

Death of cattle due to disease worries villagers

Staff Reporter

Seek prompt action to safeguard economy

THENI: Three cattle died owing to an unknown disease at Arapadithevanpatti near here on Saturday. With this, the number of animals that died in the past one week has risen to 15, sources said.“The animals refused to consume food and swelling was noticeable in the head.

They died within 24 hours,” Senthil, resident of East Street, said.

A farmer said that information about the disease had been sent to veterinary officials at Koonoor but nobody visited the village so far.

“We brought private veterinary doctors to check the condition of animals. But, the death toll is on the rise every day,” said Ponnusamy, another farmer. The villagers said that a special cattle camp should be conducted immediately to diagnose the disease.

If the administration fails to take quick action, the farmers will incur huge loss. The disease might also spread to neighbouring villages, people said. The farmers have submitted at the Collectorate on Friday. Delay in taking action would affect the main economic activity of the village.

Arapadithevanpatti has more than 600 cows and buffaloes.

The total number of cattle in nearby villages stands at around 2,500. On an average, the village has been producing over 3,000 litres of milk a day.