Rahim Yar Khan’s cattle at grave risk

Livestock official says necessary steps being taken to improve situation

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Rahim Yar Khan and the neighbouring Cholistan Desert have been largely ignored by the provincial livestock department, despite the fact that the region consists of the most number of cattle.

The area lacks research farms to conduct systematic studies on cows, bulls and goats in the district, Express News has learnt.

The veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and employee housing buildings, built half-a-century ago in all four tehsils of the district, are in abysmal shape. The approval of a veterinary dispensary project, worth Rs7 million, has been in the doldrums due to negligence of the authorities concerned.

A recent survey conducted by livestock department revealed that the number of cows in the district is 759,664, buffaloes 690,610, sheep 97, 475 and goats 11,10,696. Similarly, the number of desi chickens in the region is estimated to be 583,606, fancy birds 89,027, pigeons 403,024, ducks 6,340, ostriches 3,722 and ostrich offspring 4,720.

Besides, the number of camels is 1,921, donkeys 20,689, horses 1,323 and mules 604. However, the matter of concern is that for such a large number of cattle in the district, there are only 30 veterinary hospitals and dispensaries to treat the animals.

A visit to different veterinary hospitals by Express News revealed that most of the buildings are 50 years old and in a crumbling state. The structures could collapse at any moment and pose a significant threat to the lives of those working there.

The livelihood of hundreds of thousands of families in Rahim Yar Khan and Cholistan relies on cattle trade. However, due to the lack of research facilities, locals only manage to raise traditional breeds of cattle. As funds are scarce, most of the animals do not get enough milk, fodder and nutrition. Hence, the people in cities do not get healthy milk and meat due to the poor nutrition of the animals.

When contacted, Livestock Additional Director Dr Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Butt said that the department of livestock in Rahim Yar Khan is taking necessary steps in the district to improve the situation of veterinary hospitals and facilities.

“In order to prevent the outbreak of diseases in animals, vaccination and check-ups are being offered at doorsteps of the cattle owners,” he maintained.

“The blood tests of the animals are being carried out in laboratories, while assistant veterinary officials have been instructed to reach the spot and facilitate cattle breeders in case of an emergency.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 21^st, 2018.