Kozhikode: 13 cows die; Forest dept to fix cameras

Kozhikode: The cow deaths due to the attack of rabies-infected unidentified animal have soared to 13 at Mandarathur in Maniyur.

One more cow started showing rabies symptoms on Wednesday. Though the forest department has fixed a trap on Monday, it fetched no result.

A team of forest officials which visited the spot on Wednesday decided to fix cameras in the area.

“A couple of CCTV cameras from Sultan Bathery should be installed soon,” said Kuttiady forest range officer Neethu K. A.

They found a pugmark in the area but are unable to conclude as it was wet due to the heavy rain on the previous night.

“We are unable to identify the animal yet. But there are hints of stray dogs, mongoose or civet. The puzzle is that all the bites on cows occurred at nights. But not all dead cows were bitten but infected,” added Ms Neethu.

A scared local people say that it might by fox or civet. Samples from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Pookode had confirmed that the death of cows was due to rabies infection.

Meanwhile, the dairy farmers have demanded immediate compensation for their cattle’s death. According to sources, none of the cows has been insured which meant there is little scope for damages.

The only provision is to give an amount under natural calamity fund, but it would be one-fourth of the actual cost.