Update: 77 Cattle Dead Suspected of Hypothermia Due to Extreme Weather in TTS
The number of cattle that have died due to suspected hypothermia in South Central Timor (TTS) Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has increased to 77 head. Dozens of livestock were found dead in Tunua Village, North Mollo District, as well as Fatumnasi and Kuan Oel Villages in Fatumnasi District.
“There are 49 head in Tunua Village, 9 in Fatumnasi Village, and 19 in Kuan Oel Village, bringing the total number of deaths to 77,” stated the Head of the TTS Regency Livestock and Animal Health Service, Marthen Johanting Banunaek, on Friday (31/7/2026).
Based on community reports and data collected by officers, the deaths of these cattle are suspected to have been triggered by extreme weather characterised by prolonged rain, low environmental temperatures, wind, and wet environmental conditions. Marthen explained that livestock in Tunua Village began experiencing health issues starting 24 July 2026, with deaths occurring between 26 and 28 July 2026. In Fatumnasi District, cattle were reported to have experienced weakness, shivering, decreased activity, difficulty standing, or collapsing, with their physical condition steadily declining before death.
Marthen noted that continuous exposure to rain and wind has the potential to cause hypothermia, particularly in livestock that lack adequate housing or shelter. This condition is exacerbated when cattle are in wet and muddy environments, facing feed shortages, or are particularly vulnerable due to being young, old, pregnant, or in poor health. “Hypothermia can lead to decreased activity, shivering, weakness, loss of appetite, and difficulty standing, eventually leading to death if protection and treatment are not provided immediately,” he said.
However, Marthen emphasised that hypothermia remains a preliminary diagnosis. The exact cause of death requires clinical examination, pathological examination, and laboratory testing as necessary. Animal health services will be conducted on Monday (3/8/2026), involving supportive therapy and the administration of multivitamins to healthy livestock. The cattle population in Tunua Village is approximately 1,200 head, Kuan Oel 1,600 head, and Fatumnasi 2,200 head.
The TTS Livestock and Animal Health Service has urged farmers to provide shelters protected from rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Farmers are also requested to provide dry bedding and shelter, increase the availability of feed and drinking water during extreme weather, and tighten health monitoring of livestock in affected areas. Furthermore, the department requested strengthened coordination between local government, animal health officers, and livestock groups. Laboratory testing will also be conducted if there are indications of infectious animal diseases or if the cause of death remains uncertain.