By Kantarawaddy Times.
In the western region of Pruso Township, Karenni State, dozens of pigs raised by villagers in Kyar-be village have fallen ill and died in recent weeks, according to local sources.
“The village comprises about 90 households, each with 2 to 6 pigs. Altogether, approximately 100 to 200 pigs have perished. This type of outbreak tends to occur every two or three years, or sometimes annually,” reported the village head.
Without access to veterinary professionals, villagers have been attempting to treat the sick pigs with home remedies and their limited knowledge, though these efforts have largely been unsuccessful, resulting in a growing number of fatalities.
“The deaths are still happening, and the situation hasn’t improved. Chickens are also being affected. One day a household loses a pig, and the next day, another faces the same issue. As the disease spreads, some villagers resort to slaughtering and consuming their pigs when they stop eating, while others dry and preserve the meat from the larger animals,” the village head further explained.
Pigs are a vital resource for the villagers, providing a means to reduce food costs during traditional ceremonies and the harvest season. However, with the loss of both pigs and chickens, villagers are now facing significant challenges in managing household expenses during this year’s harvest, according to one villager.
“We raise pigs to provide food while we work on the upland farms. When we lose them, we have to find alternative food sources. It means the money we had set aside for our family’s food must now be spent again,” a woman from the village shared.
The current outbreak, which began in September, continues to affect livestock in the village, which also raises buffaloes and cows. Similar reports of pig and chicken deaths have emerged from other villages and some refugee camps in Pruso Township, raising concerns about the spread of the illness.
