Mangaluru: In a disturbing incident at Neermarga, seven cows belonging to veteran dairy farmer Joseph Staney Prakash have died under unexplained circumstances over the last ten days. Joseph, who lives near Kelarai Church, has been in the dairy business for nearly five decades and owns over 30 cows.
The sudden loss of livestock has raised serious suspicions of deliberate poisoning. The first fatality occurred on June 12, prompting a veterinary expert to collect and send tissue samples for laboratory analysis. Since then, six more cows perished inside the shed, while one collapsed and died in a grazing field. An additional cow remains in critical condition, leaving the farmer and local community deeply concerned.
“This is the first time in 50 years that I’ve experienced something so tragic,” said Joseph, clearly shaken by the repeated deaths.
Veterinarians from the Animal Husbandry Department are currently investigating the situation. They stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the lab results are received.
The unusual pattern and rapid loss of multiple healthy animals has left the local farming community anxious, with many calling for a thorough probe into possible foul play.