A mysterious and deadly illness has struck the camel population in Pakistan's Cholistan desert, claiming the lives of dozens of animals and prompting urgent action from provincial authorities.
Urgent Investigation Launched
The Punjab Livestock Department has confirmed an immediate investigation into the outbreak that has herders in a state of panic. Special teams have examined more than 11,000 camels across the desert regions of Sadiqabad and Kot Sabzal in Rahim Yar Khan district over the past five days.
According to official statements, the investigation began after local camel herders reported their animals were falling severely ill with sudden onset symptoms. The teams identified nearly 1,100 camels showing signs of the mysterious disease, indicating a significant outbreak in the region.
Alarming Symptoms and Rapid Progression
Local reports describe a disturbing pattern of symptoms affecting the desert animals. The illness begins with cold-like signs that quickly escalate to high fever and sudden collapse. Most alarmingly, infected camels often die within hours of showing initial symptoms, leaving herders little time to respond.
Authorities have taken serious measures to identify the cause, dispatching samples from 52 infected camels to advanced diagnostic laboratories in both Lahore and Islamabad. The rapid testing aims to determine the exact nature of the disease that's sweeping through the camel population.
Economic Impact on Local Communities
The outbreak poses a severe threat to the livelihoods of local herders who depend on their camel herds for survival. Herders report losing animals worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, creating a serious economic crisis for families who have relied on camel rearing for generations.
The Cholistan desert communities face substantial financial losses as the mysterious illness continues to spread among their valuable livestock. Each camel represents a significant investment and source of income for these families.
Provincial authorities have assured affected communities that comprehensive monitoring and response efforts are underway. The government has committed to containing the outbreak and preventing further losses to both animal life and local economies in the affected desert regions.
