A mysterious illness has claimed the lives of dozens of camels in the Cholistan Desert, sparking concern among herders and prompting an urgent response from the Punjab Livestock Department.
Officials said the outbreak, resembling a flu-like viral infection, has affected multiple herds in remote areas of Rahim Yar Khan district, particularly in Sadiqabad and Kot Sabzal.
“The department is closely monitoring the situation after several deaths were reported,” a senior livestock officer confirmed.
Over the past five days, special teams from the provincial livestock department examined more than 11,000 camels, identifying symptoms of the disease in approximately 1,100 animals. Officials said that samples from 52 infected camels have been sent to livestock laboratories in Lahore and Islamabad for detailed analysis to determine the cause of the outbreak.
A mysterious virus is rapidly spreading among camels in Cholistan.
Camel breeders say a similar disease occurred in 2009.
Livestock teams, led by Dr. Muhammad Mazhar, have reached the area.
Samples sent to labs to determine the cause. #SamaaTV pic.twitter.com/vK8rc6Ky01
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) November 27, 2025According to preliminary observations, infected camels initially show cold-like symptoms, followed by high fever and sudden collapse, often leading to death within hours.
Veterinary teams are working in the affected areas to provide emergency treatment and contain the spread of the disease. Authorities are also conducting field surveillance to track potential transmission among other herds.
Local camel herders have reported heavy financial losses, saying that the sudden deaths of their animals, each worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, have devastated their livelihoods. “These camels are our only source of income,” one herder said. “We depend on them for milk, transport, and trade. Losing them like this is unbearable.”
Officials have assured that all necessary steps are being taken to control the disease and prevent further fatalities, emphasising that timely diagnosis and containment are the department’s top priorities.
