Scientists of GADVASU received report of sudden illness of dairy animals at a dairy farm in Malerkotla for which a team of scientists from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University rushed to the place for attending the disease outbreak. Forty animals (25 cattle and 15 buffaloes) out of 106 got affected due to feeding rotten vegetables/potatoes, chapatti, bread along with paddy straw. Green fodder was not given to animals. Affected animals showed signs of ascending paralysis, recumbency, staggering gait, abdominal respiration and subnormal temperature.
Dr. K.S. Sandhu, Incharge, Animal Disease Research Centre of GADVASU informed that a team of doctors along with local veterinarians of Animal Husbandry Department, treated the animals. With the efforts of university scientists and local veterinarians of area animals responded to treatment. Twenty five animals showed significant improvement overnight. However, four animals were critically ill and could not be saved despite treatment.
Preliminary investigations pointed out some food borne toxicity (bacterial, mycotoxins etc.) leading to mortality and sickness among animals. Timely intervention of university expert team saved majority of affected animals to the tune of lacs of rupees. Livestock owners are advised not to feed any rotten/stale food such as rotis, rice, potatoes or vegetables to their animals. Such food would result in serious implications leading to sickness and mortality of valuable dairy animals causing huge economic losses. Always feed fresh fodder and concentrate depending upon the production, age and reproductive condition of bovines, as advised by GADVASU. Dr. Sandhu revealed that Livestock sector contribute significantly in rural economy of India especially of agrarian state like Punjab. Disease outbreaks in animals result in huge economic losses to farmers in terms of mortality, cost on treatment of sick animals and reduced milk production, so farmers are advise to be cautious for the well-being of their animals.
