Kupwara/Machil,Jun,29:A distressing situation has unfolded in the remote border area of Chotiwari Payeen in the Machil sector of Kupwara, where dozens of livestock have fallen severely ill due to a sudden outbreak of acute diarrhea and high fever. The outbreak has already claimed the lives of a cow and her calf, leaving local residents in shock and fear for the safety of their remaining animals.
Farooq Ahmad Lone, a resident of Chotiwari Payeen told Headlines Today, that his cow was the only source of livelihood for his economically vulnerable family. “This morning, I lost all hope. Due to the non-availability of veterinary care and medicines from the Animal Husbandry Department Kupwara, my cow died yesterday evening in front of my eyes,” Lone said with tears.
According to locals, this mysterious viral disease started affecting animals in the village around seven days ago and has since spread rapidly. Despite multiple requests made to the concerned authorities, no timely veterinary assistance has reached this far-flung border village.
Mohammad Rafiq Tantray, Mohammad Jamal, Mohammad Ashraf, Abdul Rashid, and several other locals jointly appealed to Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ayushi Sudan for urgent intervention. “We are helplessly watching our animals suffer. We request that a team of veterinarians and animal health experts be deputed immediately, along with life-saving medicines, to control this outbreak and safeguard the remaining livestock,” they said.
In response, District Animal Husbandry Officer Kupwara, Dr. Shabir Ahmad, told Headlines Today that the matter had not been officially brought to his notice. “The area falls under the jurisdiction of Block Veterinary Officer (BVO) Lolab Sogam, and I will confirm the situation with him. We will depute a team immediately to Machil for assessment and necessary treatment. As per my knowledge, a veterinary team had visited there recently during a vaccination drive,” he added.
Meanwhile, Professor Kaiser Mohi-ud-Din Malik, Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kupwara, stated that although the KVK has limited animal health manpower, they would do their best to assist. “We have only one animal scientist, but we will visit Machil on Tuesday to collect samples, examine the affected animals, and submit a report on the cause of this disease outbreak,” he assured.
The local residents now await the administration's urgent action, fearing further loss of livestock if timely medical intervention is not provided.
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