Goats, sheep killed; Raj grapples with spread of diseases

We are facing a shortage of PPR vaccines in view of the recent spread of lumpy skin disease in cows

UMESH VARGANTIWAR,

deputy director, animal husbandry

Thousands of goats and sheep have succumbed to two contagious diseases in two bordering districts of Barmer and Jaisalmer, with Jaisalmer being the worst affected.

For the past one month, two diseases, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and enterotoxemia, locally known as ‘Fidkiy’, have wreaked havoc in the districts.

Dr. Umesh Vargantiwar, deputy director at the animal husbandry department in Jaisalmer, confirmed the outbreak of these highly contagious diseases. He stated that many villages in the district are grappling with the spread of both diseases.

Veterinarians recommend isolating affected animals and advised against leaving them unattended for grazing, particularly sheep and goats, who are advised to graze intermittently. Despite acknowledging the significant number of animal casualties, the animal husbandry department has failed to record the exact number of sheep and goats dying due to the diseases. The residents of Jaisalmer have estimated the death toll to be 20,000 in the district in the past one month.

While large animals are succumbing to PPR, small animals are falling victim to enterotoxemia. Cattle rearers are struggling to access treatment and vaccines for their animals.

PPR vaccine is unavailable in veterinary hospitals, forcing doctors to advise breeders to procure it from medical stores.

“Many villages in Jaisalmer are grappling with the spread of both diseases. We are facing a shortage of PPR vaccines past the recent spread of lumpy skin disease in cows. Therefore, we are advising cattle herders to arrange it from the market,” said Dr. Vargantiwar.

Despite the relatively low price of the vaccine, those with large livestock holdings are facing significant challenges in obtaining an adequate supply.