A tragic incident of mass sheep mortality has shaken the Dubagga area of Lucknow, with the death toll climbing to 81 by Tuesday. The animals are suspected to have succumbed to food poisoning over the past two days, prompting immediate intervention from the state administration.
Chronology of the Tragedy
The alarming situation came to light on Monday morning when 71 sheep were found dead, with another 20 showing severe signs of illness. In a swift response, the authorities deployed three veterinary teams comprising 30 staff members to treat the ailing animals and assess the ground situation.
Despite these efforts, the situation worsened overnight. Ten more sheep from the same flock died by Tuesday morning, pushing the total fatalities to 81. The sheep belonged to rearer Pradeep Kumar, who has seen his flock of 170 animals drastically reduced to just 89.
Administrative Action and Investigation
Taking serious note of the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a detailed probe to ascertain the exact cause of the deaths. He has also announced financial assistance for the owner, promising Rs 10,000 as compensation for each deceased sheep.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Suresh Verma confirmed that the sheep that died overnight were part of the initially affected flock. While the primary suspicion points towards food poisoning, officials stated that the definitive cause will be known only after a thorough examination and further tests.
Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The incident has raised significant concerns about livestock safety and potential environmental contaminants in the area. The rapid deployment of veterinary teams highlights the urgency with which the case is being treated. For Pradeep Kumar, the financial and emotional loss is substantial, with the compensation scheme offering some relief. The community and authorities now await the investigation's findings to prevent a recurrence of such a devastating event.
