Foot rot has animals dying

The state government’s sheep distribution scheme, announced in June, has been badly hit as the rains played spoilsport. The spread of viral diseases among the animals has added to the problem.

Dr Vishva Chaitanya, a veterinarian, noted, “I have treated over 250 sheep with foot rot disease in the past two weeks alone. It is contagious and can affect the whole herd. The scheme provides sheep to farmers but it is causing a lot of trouble during this season.”

Two lakh sheep were procured for the scheme, said animal husbandry officials. As number of sheep increased in the state so also the cases of foot rot disease among them. “It is unfortunate that there is a spike in viral-borne diseases among the cattle. It could really affect farmers. We have requested the owners to get their animals vaccinated at the earliest,” said an official.

The doctors also said that the indigestion cases have increased among the cattle with water-logging leaving the fodder unhealthy. “Many cows are affected by haemorrhagic septicaemia which has a high mortality rate. There is a vaccination against it. However, not many people come forward,” added Dr Chaitanya.

Cattle owners are asked to keep the sheds clean and drain out excess water. Dr Aruni V., a veterinarian, said, “Cattle can be found tied at places for grazing. We have recently seen many calves washed away in the current caused by the rains.”

AS THE number of sheep increased in the state so also the cases of foot rot disease.