Punjab: Livestock farmers facing flood-related challenges in Punjab and neighbouring states can now contact Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, for expert guidance. The university has activated helpline numbers 62832-58834 and 62832-97919 to assist farmers in animal health management during the current crisis. Accumulation of floodwater is creating breeding grounds for parasites and increasing the risk of infectious diseases, making the situation critical for livestock farmers. Dr Ravinder Singh Grewal, Director of Extension Education at the university, has urged farmers to shift animals to safer and drier areas as far as possible.
“Three-day disease caused by flies and mosquitoes is becoming common,” warned Dr Grewal. “Ticks can cause babesiosis and contaminated water may contain salmonella and E. coli, causing severe diarrhoea.” He advised sealing cracks in sheds and using recommended chemicals under veterinary supervision. Animals exposed to moisture for long periods may develop hoove rot and become lame. Farmers are advised to spread dry straw on the shed floor and clean the hooves with calcium carbonate powder or dip them in five per cent formalin solution.
The advisory also highlights the dangers of tetanus, jaundice, abortion and respiratory problems such as haemorrhagic septicaemia and mastitis. Vaccination against lumpy skin disease and proper nipple hygiene using betadine-glycerine solution (3:1) are recommended. To prevent fungal poisoning in fodder, farmers should store grain and straw in dry, elevated places. In case of fodder shortage, 1 quintal of paddy straw can be treated with 30 litres of water, 3 kg jaggery and 1 kg urea to make it fit for fodder. The university has urged farmers to be vigilant and use helpline numbers to report problems or seek advice.
