Monsoon season is prone for natural calamities such as heavy rainfall and disasters like floods. Floods and excessive humidity increases the chance of snake bites, so weed & grass nearby the shed should be cut. In flood like situations, keep in mind the area where animals are to be shifted. Calves or small animals need special care. The poor conditioned old/temporary/sheds should be avoided to house the animals in this season. The information was shared by Dr. D S Malik, HoD Livestock Production & Management of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. The chances of stray voltage during rainy season in animal sheds are common. The most common signs of exposure to stray voltage may be – restlessness and decreased feed water intake. Check the roofs and surroundings for seepage of rain water in the shed. Keep floor of the shed dry and clean to prevent skin diseases & environmental Mastitis.
Dr. C S Randhawa, HoD, Veterinary Medicine, shared that undertake Teat dip with Betadine-Glycerine (3:1). Use good bedding to prevent slipping related injuries like fractures etc. Hoof care is important during rainy season, use formalin (5%) foot bath to prevent foot infections. Insects and flies are a big nuisance to animal's comfort and may cause diseases - Ephemeral fever, discomfort and decline in production. Maggot wounds are very common often farmer treat with petrol and burnt engine oil which is wrong. Maggot wound should be dressed with ointment containing coumaphos or benzene hexachloride. Provide Fly end tapes, mosquito repellents, mosquito net shelter during evening & night.
Prevailing conditions favour growth of microorganisms, fungus etc. so do not feed any rotten/stale food or kitchen waste (Chappatis or Roties etc.) to animals. Always feed fresh fodder and concentrate with toxin binder @100g/100 kg of feed. Keep good store of concentrate and dry fodder for tackling emergency situations. Animals in advanced stage of pregnancy should be restrained to move freely. Infectious disease like Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) and Black Quarter (BQ) are common during monsoons and appear as out breaks causing deaths. Get your animals vaccinated against these highly fatal diseases.
Dr. H K Verma, Director of Extension Education advised that Livestock farmers should prepare an ‘Emergency kit’ that may include first aid medicines, animal records and important contacts of veterinarians and administrative officials. In case of any emergency contact nearby Veterinarian or GADVASU, Ludhiana at 0161-2414026 (9.00 AM to 5.00 PM) on all working days.
