Carcass near Cauvery raises fear of epidemic outbreak

The carcass of animals disposed of the bed of River Cauvery near Chandagalu, has created a fear of an epidemic outbreak in the taluk.

It is suspected that the death is due to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). Four carcasses of cattle have been dumped very near to the pumphouse, in the last 15 days. The carcasses are found in a totally decomposed state, emanating stench. Stray dogs and birds can be seen feeding on the carcasses and there is a fear of an epidemic outbreak.

Speaking to DH, veterinarian Dr S V Krishna Rao said that the department has planned a 20-year-programme to eradicate FMD.

"The animals are administered vaccination for the past 13 years and the disease would be totally eradicated in the next seven years. As a few farmers do not vaccinate their animals, the FMD is reported at a few villages. If the animals die of FMD, the farmers should immediately bring it to the notice of the veterinarians," he stressed.

However, Taluk Executive Officer Lakshmi Mohan was not aware of the carcasses dumped near Cauvery river. "I will gather necessary information from the PDO and take necessary measures," she said.