More than 100 sheep die in Cholistan near Derawar Fort

BAHAWALPUR: More than 100 sheep worth hundreds of thousands of rupees have died under unexplained circumstances in the Cholistan desert near Derawar Fort, around 70 kilometres from Bahawalpur, over the past 48 hours.

According to information gathered from local sources in the desert region, the actual number of dead animals may be higher than the officially stated figure and could exceed 150. However, officials of the Cholistan livestock department have reported a lower death toll.

Cholistan Division Livestock Director Dr Sibtain confirmed on Monday night that 90 sheep had died. He said the deaths were not caused by any epidemic disease.

Dr Sibtain said the animals died after drinking water following the consumption of leftover wheat grains while grazing in fields, which he described as causing a condition called Asiodosis.

He also said the sheep belonged to different shepherds in the affected area.

According to the livestock director, mobile teams equipped with medicines and laboratory equipment have been sent to the area. He said these teams are treating animals that have fallen sick.

Officials cite non-epidemic cause

The incident has affected livestock owners in the desert area around Derawar Fort, where animal rearing is a key source of livelihood for many residents. The reported deaths have caused losses running into hundreds of thousands of rupees.

While local sources put the number of dead sheep at over 150, the livestock department has so far confirmed 90 deaths. The discrepancy between the two figures remains in place, with officials maintaining the lower count.

Dr Sibtain said the cause was linked to feeding and water intake rather than the spread of an infectious livestock disease. He said department teams had already been dispatched with treatment supplies and testing equipment to respond to the situation on the ground. He claimed the sheep died because of drinking water after consuming leftover wheat grains while grazing in the fields, which caused a condition called “Asiodosis”.

The official response has focused on treatment of the affected animals and assessment of the situation in the Cholistan area. No other cause was cited by the livestock department in the information provided by the director.

The deaths were reported in the area surrounding Derawar Fort, a desert locality situated about 70km from Bahawalpur.