25 sheep dead after grazing on crops sprayed with pesticides

As many as 25 sheep died after grazing on crops that were allegedly sprayed with pesticides near Channapura in the taluk, on Monday.

Two shepherds from Saraswathi Hatti, Hiriyur taluk, along with a flock of sheep, around 1,500, had come to Chikkamagaluru five days ago. On Monday, they were herding the flock towards Belur taluk, when the sheep grazed on vegetable crops on the fields. As the plants were sprayed with pesticides, they took ill.

According to the shepherds, Basavaraju and Yaranna, the sheep died one by one on the way, at around 4 pm. They were shocked and brought it to the notice of the taluk officials in Belur.

The officials, in turn, informed the veterinarians, who examined the animals and suspected that they might have died due to consuming poisonous food. They administered injections to at least 25 sheep, that were also taken ill and saved them. However, 14 sheep of Basavaraju and 11 of Yaranna died.

Tahsildar B A Jagadish and Revenue officials visited the spot. The loss is said to be around Rs 2 lakh.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Veterinarian Dr K N Anil said, “It is suspected that the sheep might have fed on poisonous food. The exact reason will be known after post-mortem.” Belur police have registered a case.