Concern over cattle deaths due to chicken waste in Tumbikere

The continuous deaths of cattle in Madlageri area of Heroor village in Byndoor, owing to wastage from poultry, have created an alarming situation in the area.

The most deserted human habitat by the local bodies is evidence to irregular maintenance of solid and wet wastes generated here. Almost every house has cattle to rear, as the residents are solely dependent on dairy farming for livelihood.

Cattle deaths are being reported the two months and the apathy of the people’s representatives and bureaucrats has resulted in the sufferings of the villagers.  The preliminary report shows that the death of the cattle is due to the viral infection, spreading through the chicken wastes dumped in Tumbikere water tank. The water body is more than seven acres big. It was a fertile pond and the life source for the farmers and cattle in the region, but has now transformed into a barren area earmarked only for disposal of wastes.

Madlageri comes under Western Ghat, and, at present is undergoing drinking water crisis owing to the evaporation of water in Tumbikere and also massive pollution.

The viral infection agent, emerging out of the chicken wastes, has infused into the body of the cattle that feed on the wastes, and nearly 10 cattle in the region have been killed. On April 21, the cattle died in succession in many of the houses in the village, showing signs of the infection spreading. People in the area are worried that they too might be infected.

Byndoor Tahsildar Kiran Gorayya told Deccan Herald that steps are taken to prevent the spread of the infection.

“The waste – dumped at Tumbikere from Uppunda, Kirimanjeshwara and Heroor – is being cleared using an earthmover. Also, PDOs and village accountants are instructed to stop people from dumping waste in the water tank,” the tahsildar stated.

“A veterinary doctor is sanctioned in the village the last one week and the infected cattle are under treatment. The cattle owners are also told not to let the cattle out for grazing,” he added.

Dr Nagraj, the veterinary officer at Kirimanjeshwara, said that the post mortem is being carried out to learn the cause of death. He said, “While primarily it appears to be a viral infection that has spread through the chicken waste thrown into Tumbikere. Also, while the infected cattle are being treated, steps are being taken to prevent the spread of the infection. A team of experts is formed to look for a remedy.”

Mukambu Acharthi, who has already lost four cattle, is worried for the remaining cattle in her shed.  She says, “What if the infection spreads to other animals? Cattle are the only source of income for my family.”