Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 13: A cow suspected of having rabies caused chaos in the public area before it was captured and restrained by locals using a rope. Shortly after being administered anaesthesia by veterinarians, the cow passed away.

The incident occurred near Adka in Kolya on Wednesday September 11, within the Someshwara municipality limits. The cow entered a residential compound, wreaking havoc, and attacked several individuals, including a woman and damaged a scooter. Locals managed to control the situation by tying the cow with a rope.

Municipal vice president Ravishankar was informed of the situation and assisted in securing the cow. Upon receiving the information, Speaker U T Khader sent a team of veterinary officers to the site. After observing the cow's behaviour, the veterinarians expressed suspicion that it might be infected with rabies. The cow died shortly after receiving anaesthesia.

Dr Gajendra Kumar, a veterinary officer at Kotekaru Government Veterinary Hospital, raised concerns that the cow might have contracted rabies, possibly due to a bite from a rabid dog. However, an official confirmation can only be made after sending the cow's brain for laboratory testing, pending the owner's consent. Dr Kumar noted that while the cow itself cannot directly transmit rabies to others, its saliva can spread the infection if it comes into contact with an open wound.