As Punjab continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of its worst floods, the state’s Animal Husbandry Department has been working relentlessly to ensure the care and well-being of livestock. According to an official statement by Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Gurmeet Singh Khudian, 481 teams have been deployed to the 14 flood-affected districts.
The minister highlighted the grim toll on livestock, confirming that a total of 504 cattle, 73 sheep and goats, and 160 pigs have perished across the districts. Additionally, 18,304 poultry birds died in Gurdaspur, Rupnagar and Fazilka due to collapsed poultry sheds.
In total, the floods have affected approximately 2.52 lakhs animals and over 5,88,685 poultry birds.
Khudian said that each of the 481 teams, comprised of a veterinary officer, a veterinary inspector or pharmacist, and a Class IV employee, is providing treatment and medicines. To date, 22,534 animals have received medical care. The department has also distributed a large volume of relief supplies, including over 12,170 quintals of feed and 5,090.35 quintals of green and dry fodder and silage. This relief work is being carried out in collaboration with district administrations and various social organizations.
Control rooms have been established at the state headquarters and in district offices to coordinate relief efforts and respond to emergencies. The minister urged the public to cooperate with these efforts and report any animal distress to the dedicated control rooms for prompt assistance.