Karnah, Jan 16 (KNS) A suspected outbreak of Black Quarter (BQ) disease among livestock has triggered concern in the border sub-division of Karnah in Jammu and Kashmir, with residents alleging prolonged unavailability of vaccines and shortage of veterinary staff.
Locals said several cases of the highly fatal bacterial disease have been reported over the past few weeks. At least six livestock deaths were reported from Upper Jabri village, while two animals reportedly died in Kandi, causing losses to families dependent on animal husbandry for livelihood.
Affected livestock owners alleged that officials of the Veterinary Department informed them that the Black Quarter vaccine has not been available for years, leaving animals exposed to preventable infections.
Black Quarter is considered a controllable disease if timely vaccination is carried out.
Residents further claimed that the situation has been compounded by an acute shortage of veterinary staff in the Karnah sub-division, leading to delayed response and inadequate surveillance during disease outbreaks.
