Infection outbreak among cattle in MP, 23 dead:Cow protectors allege ‘no fodder or water’; 5 people ill after consuming infected milk

A wave of cattle deaths has struck Madhya Pradesh, with 23 cattle reported dead due to infection across different districts. On Thursday, eight cows were found dead in a cowshed operated by the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation, while over 15 cattle have died in Pandhurna tehsil from an unknown disease. The incidents have sparked outrage among locals and prompted health and veterinary investigations. The discovery of eight dead cattle in the Rampur cowshed of Jabalpur created a stir on Thursday morning. Upon receiving the information, cow protectors and local residents gathered at the site and accused corporation officials of negligence and corruption. According to the protestors, ample fodder and grain are supplied by the government for the care of the cattle, but a large portion of it is allegedly stolen due to collusion between corporation officials and employees. They claimed that as a result, the animals have been starving and dying. Cattle caretaker Saurabh Yadav said that where the cowshed currently stands was once an open area, recently developed into a shelter by the Municipal Corporation. He alleged that although doctors and staff are deployed, veterinary visits are infrequent, and the condition of the shelter is extremely poor. Cowshed in-charge attributes deaths to lumpy virus Residents stated that dead cows had been lying unattended for four to five days, and that cowshed in-charge Rajendra Patel and the doctor on duty did not visit the site until the situation worsened. Only after the deaths of eight cows did they arrive for inspection. There are reportedly over 25 employees at the cowshed, yet hygiene levels are abysmal. When police and cow protectors reached the site, workers were seen hurriedly sweeping and cleaning the premises. Officials attempted to justify the deaths by claiming that the cattle had succumbed to the Lumpy virus, a contagious disease that has affected livestock in the region. Patel stated that vehicles for removing dead animals belong to the health department, whose employees are currently on strike, resulting in delays. He maintained that there is adequate fodder and water supply, though locals pointed out that the water tank was empty. Eight more cows infected with Lumpy virus are currently being treated in isolation. 15 cattle die of unknown disease in Pandhurna In another tragic development, more than 15 cattle have died in Hivrasenadwar and Umrikala villages of Pandhurna tehsil due to an unknown disease. Farmers reported that the infected animals developed swollen stomachs and died within one to two hours of showing symptoms. Veterinary teams were called to the area and administered injections, but their efforts failed to save the animals. Laboratory investigations later detected gram-positive square bacteria in the carcasses. Blood samples of 30 people who came into contact with the infected animals were sent to Bhopal for testing. 5 people fall ill after drinking infected milk The infection has now spread to humans, with five villagers, including two children, falling ill after drinking milk from an infected cow. Following the report, Collector Neeraj Vashisht and SP Sundar Singh Kanesh visited Hivraprithviram village on Wednesday night to review the situation and meet affected families. On Thursday morning, BMO Dr. Deependra Salame and his medical team conducted door-to-door health checks. He confirmed that the Chhindwara Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory had verified the presence of gram-positive square bacteria in the dead animals, linking it to the human cases. Administration issues health advisory Collector Neeraj Vashisht stated that the situation is now under control but urged villagers to remain cautious about consuming milk and water from infected sources. He has directed the Health, Animal Husbandry, and Police Departments to maintain strict surveillance and ensure immediate response to any new cases. Authorities are continuing investigations into both incidents, one involving alleged mismanagement and negligence in Jabalpur, and the other, a potentially contagious livestock disease in Pandhurna, as concern spreads across Madhya Pradesh’s rural regions.