Fog fever imperils cattle

MULTAN:

The livestock department has issued an alert over a seasonal rise in fog fever, a sudden and severe respiratory disease affecting cows and buffaloes across Punjab.

The illness, medically known as acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema (ABPEE), typically appears when animals are shifted to lush green pastures and can lead to rapid breathing distress and, in some cases, sudden death.

The disease occurs when fresh, soft fodder converts inside the animal's digestive system into a toxic compound that damages lung tissues.

Key symptoms include fast and open-mouth breathing, whistling sounds from the throat, rapid rib movement, isolation from the herd, refusal to walk or eat, and, in severe cases, sudden collapse.

Livestock Deputy Director Dr Jamshaid Akhtar stated that the situation demands strict caution from farmers. He observed that dairy cows, heavy animals and those abruptly shifted to soft green fodder could be at the highest risk.

He urged farmers to move animals to new grazing areas gradually, feed dry fodder before grazing, avoid extremely lush pastures and keep sensitive animals under close observation.