Swamp Buffaloes Suffer Diarrhea

Amuntai, S Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) -Dozen of swamp buffaloes in Paminggir Sub-district, North Hulu Sungai (HSU), South Kalimantan, got sick suspected of diarrhea caused by eating kumpai, a kind of swamp plant, which is contaminated with many parasites.

Head of Veterinary and Animal Disease of the HSU Agriculture Agency I Gusti Putu Susila in Amuntai on Friday said, due to floods that carry piles of plants that allegedly contain many parasites causing swamp buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis) stricken with diarrhea.

"Temporary suspicion due to excessive parasitic buildup in the swamp buffalo digestion resulted in diarrhea," said Putu Susila.

Other factors, he said, due to the extent of swamp puddles during the rainy season resulted in the swamp buffalo pool being widened, making the buffalo tired easily. Less vitamin intake buffaloes will be susceptible to disease when the condition of their bodies is weak or tired.

Putu said it received reports of sick swamp buffaloes, especially in Bararawa and Sapala villages, but it has not been able to ascertain how many are sick.

He said since 26 November many farmers complain about the condition of buffalo that experienced pain with symptoms such as diarrhea with yellowish feces, and buffalo becomes weak.

"But based on reports only one buffalo died due to this disease, the rest of the sick buffaloes immediately cut and sold by the owners," said Putu who told that the functionary had met seven farmers whose buffaloes reportedly ill.

Farmers are forced to sell sick buffaloes because of panic with a much cheaper price of only Rp2 million to Rp3 million per head, whereas if not sick can reach Rp10 million per head.

"Buffalo meat sold in ill conditions like this is still safe for human consumption," explained Putu.

He explained that his side has taken feces samples and sent to Veterinary Laboratory in Banjarbaru to know more accurately the cause of the disease that affects swamp buffalo in Paminggir.