Bengaluru, January 24, 2025: In a devastating blow to dairy farmers and cattle caretakers, Punyakoti Goshala in Ramanagara district has reported the sudden death of 25 indigenous cows over the past two weeks due to a suspected outbreak of Haemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS). The disease, which remains largely undiagnosed, has raised alarms among veterinarians and livestock experts.
Punyakoti Goshala, a well-known center for indigenous cattle breeding, has been recognized with several national awards, including the Kamadhenu National Award and Gopalarathna National Award. Despite following scientific cattle management practices with expert guidance from veterinarians and research institutions, the goshala has suffered heavy losses, amounting to over ₹30 lakh.
Symptoms and Expert Findings
On January 21, six cows at the goshala showed symptoms of colic, drowsiness, and weakness, with three dying within 24-48 hours. Veterinary experts, including Dr. K.P. Ramesha (Former Head, ICAR-NDRI, Bengaluru), and local veterinarians conducted post-mortem examinations, revealing signs of rumen acidosis and severe intestinal hemorrhage. Samples sent to the Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals (IAH & VB), Hebbal, Bengaluru tested positive for urea/ammonia but were negative for other toxins.
Experts, including Dr. Sridhar Bhat, suspect Haemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS), a fatal disease affecting adult dairy cattle. The syndrome leads to sudden intestinal hemorrhages, blood clot formations, and death within hours. Similar cases have been reported in Thirthahalli, Kodiahalli (Chitradurga), and among local farmers in Ramanagara district.
Impact on Dairy Industry & Farmers
The outbreak has raised concerns over the survival of indigenous cattle breeds, financial hardships for farmers, and the potential decline in organic A2 milk production. With no clear diagnosis or preventive measures in place, farmers fear further losses, exacerbating economic distress and potentially leading to increased farmer suicides.
Urgent Demands to Government
Addressing the press at the Bengaluru Press Club, R. Siddesh Kumar, Organizing Secretary, VAPS Akshaya Foundation Trust, Punyakoti Goshala, along with trust members, called for urgent intervention from the Government of Karnataka and Government of India. The key demands include:
1. Formation of an expert committee to diagnose, monitor, and control the spread of the disease.
2. Immediate compensation for farmers and gaushalas affected by cattle deaths.
3. Enhanced research and surveys to identify the root cause of such obscure diseases.
4. Creation of a permanent advisory body for livestock sector improvement.
5. Allocation of ₹500 crore in special funds to compensate losses and improve indigenous cattle breeding.
The goshala trustees, veterinarians, and farmers are urging swift action to prevent further loss of cattle and protect the livelihoods of dairy farmers. With HBS emerging as a pressing issue in Karnataka, experts stress the need for immediate research and policy measures to safeguard India’s indigenous cattle population.
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