NORTH LAKHIMPUR, Oct 8 - Hundreds of cows and goats have been dying in the last six months in Subansiri Chapori of Lakhimpur district due to diseases unknown to the local herders.
The chaporis (river islets) of Subansiri have large cattle farms locally known as khutis, where thousands of buffaloes, cows and goats are kept by the herders for their dairy and livestock business.
But, in the last six months, hundreds of these animals have died due to unknown diseases, causing huge losses to the traditional herders in this riverine area. The herders are saying that their animals are dying after grazing on the grass that remain submerged during the monsoon season following the receding of water level.
This phenomenon has been observed in the last three years and this time the number of casualties is much higher, say the herders.
The worst-hit river islet this time is Subansiri Chapori, where hundreds cows and goats have died so far in the last few days alone. Many goats have been found with infected faces which are very unusual in appearance.
The affected cattle herders of Subansiri Chapori have requested the authorities concerned to study the phenomenon and examine the quality of the river water to ensure security of their diary and livestock business.
