Friday, March 12, 2010

Unknown disease kills over 100 livestock in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 12 : An unknown disease has reportedly claimed over 100 livestock in Khawdungsei village in the northeastern part of Mizoram.

''We are yet to receive any official information. However, on getting the reports, we immediately sent a veterinary doctor to the village today, while another team of vet would visit tomorrow,'' the disease investigation officer of animal husbandry and veterinary department in Aizawl said today.

The department has no idea as to what disease has allegedly killed more than 100 chickens, six pigs and one dog since February end.

According to Khawdungsei village council president Lalsiamliana, the animals refused to eat food, gradually became weak and died after few days.

He alleged that they had reported the matter to the concerned veterinary field assistant, without any response from him.

The villagers suspected that the disease was spread by imported piglets brought in from neighbouring Manipur during the first week of February.

Even though the veterinary department is yet to confirm the death and identify the cause, the department official did not rule out the possibility of swine flu being the cause.