Rajshahi, Feb 07, (V7N) - In Paba, Rajshahi, seven cows have died after consuming poisoned cabbage, and at least 60 other cows have fallen ill. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 5, at around 6 PM in Balirgram, Paba.
 
The cows belonged to three different owners. Among the deceased animals, one belonged to Jewel Rana, the son of the late Moslem Mondol from Balirgram, four belonged to his younger brother, Sohel Rana, and two belonged to Karim, the son of the late Abdul Kader, also from the same area.
 
According to Sohel Rana, Jewel, Sohel, and Karim had purchased cabbage from a 1.5-bigha plot of land owned by Sharif Islam in Ashgram. Due to a lack of demand, the cabbage was sold at a very low price of Tk 1,000 for 7,500 pieces. On Wednesday morning, Jewel and Sharif completed the cabbage transaction, and shortly after, they brought 70-75 cows from their herd to the cabbage field. The cows grazed in the field until the afternoon.
 
Later, when the cows were being taken back home, two cows suddenly collapsed on the road due to illness and died shortly afterward. Five more cows died after being brought back to the farm. In total, seven cows died, resulting in a financial loss of Tk 8-9 lakh for the three owners.
 
Following the incident, officials from the Rajshahi Livestock Department visited the affected households. The department's veterinarians provided treatment to more than 60 ill cows, including saline and other necessary medicines. Currently, the remaining cows are in stable condition, and three cows were slaughtered. The bodies will be buried, according to the authorities.
 
Local veterinarian Manik confirmed that he visited the area on the same day to treat the cows and found out that they had consumed poisoned cabbage. He treated more than 60 cows with saline and various medicines, and now, the cows are recovering.
 
Sharif, the landowner, could not be reached for comment on the incident.
 
Asim Kumar, a scientific officer at the Rajabarihat Regional Dairy and Livestock Development Farm in Godagari, mentioned that initial reports indicate that the cows ate cabbage from a plot where poison might have been applied. He explained that the seven cows died due to this poisoning, while the other 60 sick cows were treated. Samples from the deceased cows have been sent to a laboratory in Dhaka for further analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
 
Kasiyadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kamal Hossain confirmed the death of the seven cows. He mentioned that officials from the Livestock Department had collected samples from the deceased animals and that the local environment was safe. No complaints have been received from the affected parties, but legal action will be taken if any complaints are filed.
 
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