Berhampur: Dr Satyanarayan Kar and his team at Ganjam District Veterinary Office were stunned to discover 50 kg of polythene bags in a cow’s stomach.

The non-degradable waste was removed after a two-hour surgery on September 8 morning.

According to sources, the cow, found lying on a road in Hillpatna’s Bada Sahi for three days amid rain with a swollen stomach, was unable to stand. Local corporator Sanjit Panigrahi, alerted by residents, arranged for the cow to be moved to the veterinary office via an animal ambulance, where it was operated upon.

The cow is now stable and will remain in the veterinary hospital for at least four days for post-operative care.

Dr Kar explained that stray cattle often feed on polythene, which can lead to serious health problems, including ruminal impaction, malnutrition, digestive issues, and even death. He urged for a ban on polythene, noting that people discard plastic waste on roadsides, which cattle then consume.

Similar incidents occurred in April 2022 when 15 kg of polythene was removed from a cow’s stomach and again in August 2023 when 30 kg was extracted.