Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Mar 9: One cow died, while four others are in serious condition after eating chickweed (Goli Soppu) leaves at Mundoli under the limits of Someshwar gram panchayat. The seriously ill cattle are treated by the team led by Kotekar veterinary doctor Ganjendra Kumar.

The incident occurred at the house of agriculturist Sanjeeva Poojary. On March 8 afternoon, the family members put the leaves on the place where the cattle sleep. However, the cattle got sick after eating the same.

Around evening, while some of the cattle fell as they were sleeping, others were banging their legs to the ground in discomfort. The family members informed the matter to the veterinary doctor. As the doctor was in an emergency meeting at the assistant commissioner’s office, he sent his assistants, who gave primary aid. However, one cow died on Thursday March 9 morning. The rest of the cattle were in critical condition.

People, who got the news, gathered in front of the house of Sanjeeva Poojary and expressed unhappiness over the delay by the veterinary doctor. Later, the treatment began under the guidance of Kotekar veterinary doctor Dr Chandrahas. Talapady veterinary doctor Rachana also arrived on the spot and the treatment is in progress.

Explaining the incident, Dr Ganjendra Kumar P K, veterinary doctor of Kotekar said, “The leaves were put on the bedding on which the cattle take rest. However, the cows ate the same in huge quantities. Because of this food poisoning occurred. The juice of the leaves mixed into the blood of the cows and sickening occurred. One cow died and others are critical. Treatment is continuing.

“As there is a convention on March 17, to identify the beneficiaries, a meeting was called on March 8 at the office of assistant commissioner at Konaje. That is why I could not attend to the sick cattle personally and sent my assistant Dr Chandrahas,” he said.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Ullal taluk has only one veterinary doctor. Dr Gajendra Kumar P K has to handle all issues. There is no veterinary doctor available at Pavoor, Konaje, Amblamogaru and Kurndu veterinary hospitals. Dr Rachana of Talapady also has additional responsibility of Adyar, so she is available for some days in Ullal taluk. The load on Dr Gajendra Kumar is huge. As the assistant inspector position is also vacant, it is becoming difficult for Dr Gajendra to handle things alone.