Unknown disease killing cattle in several Ramree Twsp island villages

By Admin 07 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
7 September 2023, Ramree

There are reports of cattle deaths due to an unknown disease in villages on Saku and Magyi islands in Ramree Township, Arakan State, according to local farmers.

Since early August, affected cows have been showing symptoms including rashes, swollen limbs, drooling and skin shedding, with some succumbing to their ailments.

“One of my cows has died. The unknown disease has been reported among cattle in many villages on Saku Island,” said Ko Hla Chaw, a local man from Aungchantha Village.

He added that six of the more than 20 infected cows in Aungchantha Village have died.

The unidentified illness has been reported among cattle in eight villages on Saku Island, and about 15 cows in Magyi Village on Magyi Island have also been infected.

Ma Aye Khaing of Magyitaung Village said that since there is no veterinarian to treat the cows, they are treating them in their own way, and are quarantining the diseased cows.

“Cows have rashes on their bodies and then their limbs are swollen. We are worried that the cows will not eat and sleep and the disease will get worse. If the cows diagnosed with unknown disease die, it will be very painful for us,” she added.

Residents are asking the relevant health department to come and check on the outbreak.

“It’s hard to say without seeing the diagnosis. One of our staff members was dispatched to Saku Island to witness the situation. We sent a staff member to do the necessary treatment, prevention work and education,” said Dr. Ohn Kyaw Myint, deputy director of the Ramree Township Livestock and Veterinary Science Department.

Despite the outbreak of illness, some cattle breeders on Saku and Magyi islands are selling their cattle for fear of losing them.

“The cows are also diseased, so some villagers are afraid of losing them if they die. Some villagers sell their cattle at reduced prices,” said Ko Zaw Than Naing, a local man from Seiknar Village.

Cows showed symptoms of no appetite, had fever and runny nose, and died of an unknown disease in some villages in Ramree Township in July, according to local residents.