1912 foot-mouth disease cases in Pulwama

PULWAMA — Amid the ongoing pandemic, an outbreak of infectious disease known as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has left dozens of domestic animals dead in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

The FMD erupted among the domestic animals before one month due to which over 100 animals, mainly cows, have died in the district.

Wali Mohammad Mir, a resident of Pulwama district, said that he brought a cow with great difficulty but now after its death, he is left with no source of income.

Locals said that the administration has made a number of announcements to boost the livestock industry, but the government’s claims to address the problems faced at the grassroots level are proving hollow.

A local woman said, “My cow also died of the disease and ironically, no medical felts have been provided so far even after the outbreak of the disease in the area.”

Locals from various areas said that in Pulwama district, which is known for its milk production, dozens of farmers have lost their cows whose livelihood is directly dependent on the animals.

The locals also have demanded compensation to the affected farmers and have also appealed to Animal Husbandry officials to visit the area and educate the people about the disease besides the authorities should vaccinate the animals, so that disease won’t spread further.

District Animal Husbandry officer Pulwama, Dr Hussain, said that so far 1,912 cases of foot and mouth disease have been reported in the district. He said that among 1,912 cases, 138 animals, mostly cows, have died and 1,641 cases have recovered.

He added that 133 cases are still active in the district and teams of the department are visiting every nook and corner of the district to treat the animals and educate the farmers so as to avoid its spread.