January 25: Villagers in Tang and Choekhor geogs in Bumthang are fearing the worst after consuming wild boar meat which has been found to be infected.

Several wild boars have been found dead in the forest in Tang and Choekhor geogs.

About 200 people in two villages under Tang geog and seven villages in Choekhortoe have consumed the wild boar meat.

Samples of the meat from wild boar carcasses in Tang and Choekhor gogs were tested at the Royal Veterinary Laboratory in Bapalathang in Bumthang. They tested positive for a bacterial infection that affects the muscle.

The organism which causes the infection is reportedly present in the soil.

It is suspected to have infected one of the boars through a wound in its body. Other boars could have caught the infection from it.

According to the District medical officer Dr. Nima Wangchuk it affects the internal organs and can cause death. The symptoms include swelling of the limbs, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

More than 17 wild boar’s carcasses have been eaten unknowingly in the last one month.

Villagers have been asked to bury the carcasses. They have also been asked to immediately visit the Wangdicholing hospital if they should show any of the symptoms. Health officials are remaining vigilant.