Temperature takes a toll on cattle farming industry

With the mercury rising six to nine degrees Celsius above the normal limit, Punjab’s stifling heat has now become a serious threat to local livestock. Farmers and cattle breeders in the region are reporting a surge in symptoms of heat-stroke in their animals while already battling an outbreak of the Lumpyskin disease that is known to have affected the mortality of over 2,000 animals so far.

While the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the temperature is likely to remain severe throughout the month, cattle breeders who can afford, have been quick to set up safeguards to save their animals from the heat. Ali Hassan, who owns a herd of 150 cows and buffaloes has been able to build a large pond in the yards of his extensive mansion, where he says his animals are bathed three times a day, while their sheds have also been fixed with air coolers and fans to keep herd comfortable at night.

Per the farmers, heat stress can directly impact the animal’s productivity. Ali Hassan who runs a small dairy farm says that his buffaloes who would once produce 12-14 litres of milk can now barely give eight litres. “As a crisis response, we have changed the fodder to more greens instead of dry fodder. We also give silage and wanda, while salt is added to their diet for better digestion,” said another farmer.

In terms of aid, cattle breeders from the region say there are government veterinary hospitals close by, but it is difficult to transport sick animals. “Then, there is also the issue of medicine. Common drugs are available at government hospitals but expensive medicine has to be bought from the market. Doctors are often not available because they are given a lot of areas to cover, and if you call one to visit the farm then they charge exorbitant rates,” said Rana Mubashir, a distressed cattle owner who has been struggling to afford heat-stroke and viral prevention for his animals, unlike the affluent farmers.

Punjab Livestock Research Department’s Director-General Dr Abdul Rehman, who has also been appointed as the focal person for the Lumpy-skin disease believes that the heatwave has compromised the animals’ immunity, which has led to more animals succumbing to the viral disease. “Lumpy skin is spreading due to heat but its rate of spread is not alarming. So far cases of lumpy skin have been seen only in cows, no complaints of lumpy skin have been reported in any buffalo,” he said.

Per the doctor, there are a total of 25 million cattle in Punjab, while the department has a dose of one million vaccines. “Therefore, we cannot vaccinate every animal, although hotspot areas have been prioritised.”

When probed regarding the matter, Punjab Livestock Spokesperson Dr Asif Rafique said that in consideration of the prolonged heat-wave we have initiated an awareness programme to inform and educate cattle owners on how to protect their animals. “We have also set up their own free medical camps for the treatment of heat-stroke affected animals and are vaccinating cattle exposed to the Lumpy-skin virus per the priority plan,” he informed The Express Tribune.