Bajura, March 13

PPR epidemic that broke out two months ago in Bajura is yet to come under control.

District Livestock Office Bajura said that as many as 3,170 goats and sheep had died of the disease in the last two months.

Affected goats and sheep die within four days.

Though the epidemic spread in the district two months ago, it has not come under control for want of medicine.

District Livestock Office said farmers had borne a lot of loss due to inadequate medicine stock.

Siddharaj Joshi, chief at the livestock office, said that 50,000 vaccines sought from the Department of Drugs were not sufficient.Joshi said that they needed more than 40,000 extra vaccines.

Joshi said that the disease had killed as many as 2,196 goats and sheep at Bichhayan, Rugin and Bandu VDCs.

Likewise, 209 livestock died at Wai, Jukot, Sappata and Gotri VDCs and 301 died in Budhiganga area, 464 in Jugada, Manakot, and Atichaur VDCs.

“Goats and sheep worth Rs 4.7 million as per the current market price have died,” Joshi said.

Bhakta Karki from Ripgaun of Sarkideu VDC in Humla lost 25 sheep.

Nangyal Lama from the same place lost 50 sheep.

Veterinary doctors say that the epidemic had reached Bajura via Humla from Kalikot.

Field study carried out by technicians at Regional Livestock Laboratory Dhangadi had confirmed the PPR disease in Bajura.

As many as 14,000 sheep and goats died four years ago in Bajura.

“Bajura is home to 91,594 goats and 18,230 sheep as well as mountain goats at present. The district is rich in culture and animal farming,” Shankar Singh, technician at District Livestock Office Bajura said.

Singh added saying, “However, many such animals die due to the epidemic every year.”