Guwahati, Jul 28 (PTI) As eastern Assam grapples with its one of its worst floods in the recent history, the protection of livestock has emerged as a key challenge as a large number of affected families are dependent on cattle and poultry for their livelihoods, officials said.
While the state government has been providing fodder and veterinary care for the animals, private organisations are also chipping in with their bit.
“During this difficult time of floods, protecting our livestock is equally important,” state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Nilima Devi said in a social media post.
She said that in flood-affected areas of Sivasagar, her department is providing essential feed and veterinary care to ensure the safety and well-being of our animals.
“The government remains committed to protecting every life during this crisis,” Devi added.
The minister also thanked the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for extending help during this hour of crisis.
“A heartfelt appreciation to Chandamita Das, Abhay Bora, and their fellow volunteers from ‘Ahimsa Helping Hands for Paws Foundation’ and ‘Parvah’ for their selfless service across multiple locations in Sivasagar,” she said.
Devi said providing food and medicines to cows, dogs, cats, pigs, goats and other animals during these difficult times was truly commendable and inspiring.
“I am proud of everyone who came forward with such compassion and dedication. Your kindness reminds us that every life matters,” she added.
Another NGO, ‘Humane World for Animals India’, said it has also launched emergency relief efforts in Sivasagar to support animals and the communities that depend on them.
Working in collaboration with the state Veterinary department and local NGO partner ‘Just Be Friendly’, the organisation has begun conducting veterinary medical camps, providing treatment and essential medicines to injured and sick animals.
Relief teams are also distributing tarpaulin sheets to vulnerable cattle-owning families to help protect livestock from continued exposure to rain and harsh weather conditions.
Jaihari A K, senior specialist, disaster response at Humane World for Animals India, said, “In Gaurisagar and Nazira, both in Sivasagar district, we saw animals that have been severely dehydrated, malnourished and physically weak after prolonged exposure to floods.” “Many dogs are in visibly poor condition and hungrily consume whatever food is offered to them. Buffaloes and other farm animals are forced to eat while standing in contaminated floodwater or thick sludge. Even where water has receded, the land remains covered in mud, and there is little or no grass available for grazing,” Jaihari told PTI.
He said the families are doing everything they can to save the animals.
“We have witnessed this in previous flood responses as well — the greatest challenge often begins after the waters recede,” he added.
He said the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has been able to provide around 1.5 kg of feed per farm animal per day, but a large animal requires at least 3-4 kg of dry feed daily when green fodder is also available.
“A major gap is the lack of safe temporary shelter for animals. Many families are choosing to remain near their homes in temporary sheds instead of moving to relief camps because they do not want to leave their animals behind,” Jaihari said.
He said the animals are being kept in makeshift shelters built with bamboo and tarpaulin sheets, which provide only limited protection from rain, wind and changing temperatures.
They also remain highly exposed to mosquitoes and other insects.
These conditions increase the risk of diarrhoea, respiratory illness, skin and hoof infections, infected wounds, parasitic infestations and vector-borne diseases, Jaihari added.
He said the common health conditions observed include malnutrition, loss of appetite, bloating, severe weakness, downer cow cases, fractures and wounds.
“The team is providing fluid therapy, wound dressing, anti-inflammatory medication, vitamin injections and other treatment as required. The next priorities are continued veterinary care, disease surveillance, feed and hydration support, temporary shelter assistance and follow up care for weak and injured animals,” Jaihari added. PTI SSG SSG ACD
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