Disease attacks crocodiles

SORONG, Irian Jaya: Crocodile breeders here are worried about a rare fatal disease that has plagued their animals.

The disease, called Steatitis, attacks the back part of the animals, causing swelling. If not treated, the adult crocodiles affected by the disease usually die in a few weeks.

Acting chairman of the provincial natural conservation office, Mathias Berwulo, told Antara that the breeders initially believed that the disease was incurable. (par)