Quarantined Goats tests negative for COVID19 in Karnataka

Pashu Sandesh, 04 July 2020

47 Goats quarantined because of the suspicion of COVID19 were found negative. The Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Lab Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals Diagnostic Lab Bangalore has undertaken the Tests for CORONA from the swabs taken from the suspected Goats. The report dated 02 July clearly state that the Goats have not contacted the disease.

Forty-seven goats were quarantined on Tuesday after a goatherd was found positive for the CORONA and the death of four goats from the herd in the in Godekere village in Tumakuru district, about 127km from Bangalore. The villagers panicked when they noticed that some goats and sheep at Godekere village in Gollarahatti taluk were having respiratory problems. However, on testing, the samples from the cattle came positive only for seasonal diseases common among livestock, said H. Basavarajendra, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry. 

The respiratory diseases are common in sheep and are often found suffering from PPR and mycoplasma which are communicable. But putting the Goats under quarantine for the suspicion of CORONA shows the level of fear this disease has cast in the general population. There are reports which say that the disease does not spread through animals. The lack of knowledge or over knowledge in some cases has led to the abandoning of the pet animals by the fearful owners. However, with the disease ever-changing its character it would be prudent if everyone keeps the strict vigil including the Animal Husbandry Department.