An outbreak of Goatpox (capripox) virus in Dubini and Dolepchen chiwogs under Loggchina Gewog in Chhukha killed five goats in the last few days.
After a goat died in the chiwog and sudden sickness among other goats were reported on Monday, the Dzongkhag and Regional Livestock Development Centre in Tsimasham investigated the case. After examining the lab samples on the RT-PCR at the National Centre for Animal Health at Serbithang, officials declared it as a goat pox. The disease was caused by a poxvirus that affects goats.
According to officials, there is no report of capripox virus infections to human globally.
As per the investigation, more than 30 goats have been exposed to the virus for a long time. The infected animals were segregated and isolated. Officials also carried our controlled measures like therapeutic management, proper disposal and restricted the movement of animals to other herds. The infected animals have severe mucopurulent discharges from eyes and nasal.
Veterinary officials are yet to know the source of the outbreak. As per officials, the National Centre for Animal Health detected similar cases last month in the Himalayan brown Goral at Chari monastery in Thimphu. Similar death of Himalayan Goral and Serows were also reported from Dorokha-Dumtoe in Samtse, lower Sombaekha in Haa and Darla in Chhukha. Villagers say Himalayan goral also died at Toribari and Dubini regions of Loggchina Gewog a few weeks back.
However, the officials are planning joint surveillance if there is any death of Himalayan Goral in the region. With over 3,000 goats population, Loggchina Gewog has one of the largest goat rearing communities in the country. People depending their livelihoods on goats are now worried.
Sonam Penjor, Chhukha
