Vets blame it on fodder shortage

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, January 21

The team of veterinary doctors from Lala Lajpat Rai University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences have found shortage of green fodder and need for mineral mixture in animal feed at the cow sanctuary in Hisar where about 500 cows had died in about a month.

Pointing out the absence of sewerage and drainage, they have warned of more deaths if arrangements are not put in place immediately. The team visited the cow sanctuary on January 18.

In its report to the Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, the team stated that there was acute shortage of green fodder. It pointed out that there was no separate compartment for weak, debilitated, dull and diseased animals and stressed the urgent need for an isolation ward on the basis of physical status and temperament for proper care and grouping.

It was stated that the entrance and exit should have some disinfectant and there was neither sewerage nor drainage.

“A separate closed and covered premises for postmortem is required to prevent spread of infection. Daily and regular cleaning is needed to prevent spread of bacterial, viral and fungal infections,” it asserted. It said a diet chart for all categories of animals was needed. The sanctuary, meant for stray cows, is being managed by the municipal authorities.

The report maintained that shed height was higher than required and it was required to be covered from all sides. It felt the need to purchase Forklifter vehicle to lift and carry diseased and debilitated animals and carcasses.