District-level deputy directors have been appointed as nodal officers for their respective districts
The deputy directors have been directed to maintain a stock of essential medicines in the animal care institutions of their districts
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, May 29 -
In light of the ongoing heat wave across the state, the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department has implemented essential measures to protect livestock. Following advisories issued by both the Government of India and the state government, all subordinate offices have been instructed to take necessary actions.
Sharing more details in this regard, Director General, Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. L.C. Ranga said that district-level deputy directors have been appointed as nodal officers to oversee the implementation of these measures in their respective districts.
He said that the department is actively disseminating information to livestock owners on how to protect their animals from the adverse effects of the heat wave. This awareness campaign is being conducted through print and electronic media, as well as through personnel stationed at veterinary hospitals and dispensaries, shared Dr. L.C. Ranga.
Emphasizing the importance of preparedness during this time, he said that district deputy directors have been directed to ensure an adequate stock of necessary medicines in their respective animal care institutions. The required budget for these provisions has already been allocated. Additionally, instructions have been given to repair and fill water troughs at animal care facilities to ensure animals have access to water at all times, shared Dr. L.C. Ranga.
He said that preventive measures have also been taken to protect livestock from diseases. The department has successfully completed vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia, said Dr. L.C. Ranga.
Providing specific recommendations for livestock owners, Dr. Ranga shared that the livestock owners should keep animals in shaded areas such as under trees, sheds, or roofed structures to protect them from direct sunlight and also cover the roofs of animal shelters with straw or tarps, or use insulation to reduce heat. Utilize fans, sprinklers, or foggers to maintain air circulation and cooling in animal shelters. Keep windows and doors open, hanging wet sacks over them to provide natural cooling.
He said that the livestock owners should also ensure animals have access to ample fresh and clean water. Use plastic or earthen vessels instead of metal ones to keep the water cool. Besides this, high-quality green fodder, balanced feed, and mineral mixtures to maintain nutritional balance should be provided to the animals, shared Dr. Ranga.
He said that the livestock owners feed animals during cooler parts of the day and soak dry fodder in water mixed with salt and crushed grain before feeding. Additionally, livestock owners should bathe animals during the cooler parts of the day and limit labor-intensive tasks such as plowing to cooler periods and ensure breaks during long journeys to provide shade, cool water, and fresh green fodder, said Dr. Ranga.
He said that special attention should be given to young calves and pregnant animals. In case of heat stroke symptoms, livestock owners are advised to contact veterinarians immediately for appropriate treatment, said Dr. Ranga.
Dr. Ranga also appealed to social service and animal welfare organizations to assist village panchayats and local bodies in arranging water for stray animals, wild animals, and birds during this challenging time.