Agartala, June 9: The tiny Yadav community of Tripura has been hit hard by the sudden outbreak of a mysterious disease that has taken a heavy toll on their cattle.

Already 50 heads of cattle have died in the past 15 days but sadly, the animal resource development department has not extended any assistance to the community. The Yadavs, originally from Assam, had settled in Tripura since 1965. ?At present there are 185 families in the Goala Basti and the entire community makes a living by selling milk,? Ramdas Yadav, a member of the community settled in Khezur Bagan area of Agartala said.

The epidemic broke out 15 days ago when two cows and a bullock owned by Gopal Yadav died on May 25. As no preventive measure was taken, the epidemic spread rapidly. Calling the epidemic hoof-sickness, Yadav said that as soon as the cow contracts the disease it suffers from high fever and its hooves, udders and tongue swell up with an ulcerous growth. ?Generally the cow or the bull dies within two days secreting excessive saliva.? Rambabu Yadav who has lost five milch cows said there is no point in calling the doctor once the cow is inflicted with the disease because within a matter of two days the animal will die. It is feared that at least 1,245 cows and at least 2,000 bulls will die in the epidemic. However, the Yadav community is still uncertain about seeking assistance from the animal resource development department.

Shyamali Bhattachrya, member of local Khezur Bagan panchayat said many of the milkmen had not vaccinated their cattle against diseases such as the hoof-sickness and anthrax and now they want to avoid a meeting with animal department experts. She said she has sought assistance from the department on behalf of the milkmen.

The director of the animal resource department was not available for comment.

I am retired, nobody calls me but I am sure that this killer disease is not hoof-sickness because the symptoms are different,? said Paritosh Mazumder, a vet. He said the situation needs to be brought under control and senior doctors of the animal resource department should inspect the animals.

Some of the cows in the Goala Basti cost nearly Rs 1 lakh and the epidemic will lead to huge losses for the community. Sources in the animal resource department said a team would visit the Basti soon.