Rising heatwave has posed serious risk to livestock prompting farmers for extra care. Rawalpindi livestock department has advised cattle farmers to adopt precautionary measures to protect animals from the ongoing heatwave, warning that extreme weather poses serious risks to livestock health.
Heatwave poses serious risk to livestock health, farmers warned
RAWALPINDI, Jun 08 (APP):Rising heatwave has posed serious risk to livestock prompting farmers for extra care. Rawalpindi livestock department has advised cattle farmers to adopt precautionary measures to protect animals from the ongoing heatwave, warning that extreme weather poses serious risks to livestock health.
Media Focal Person Dr. Mad-e-ha Tariq said that rising temperatures across various regions could adversely affect animals if timely preventive steps were not taken.
In an exclusive interaction with APP on Monday, she said that livestock plays a vital role in the national economy and rural livelihoods, stressing that ensuring their health during harsh weather conditions should remain a top priority for farmers.
Dr. Mad-e-ha Tariq warned that intense heat, direct sunlight, poor ventilation and water shortage could lead to heat stress and heatstroke in animals, affecting their health and productivity.
She highlighed common symptoms of heatstroke includeing rapid breathing, unusually high body temperature, restlessness, weakness, excessive salivation, reduced feed intake and difficulty in standing could appear among animals , adding that severe cases could lead to unconsciousness.
She advised that animals showing such symptoms should immediately be shifted to shaded and well-ventilated areas, provided with clean and cool drinking water, and cooled by sprinkling water on the head, neck and legs.
Dr. Mad-e-ha Tariq urged livestock owners to ensure proper shade, uninterrupted supply of clean water and adequate ventilation in farms, sheds and open enclosures.
Moreover, she emphasized the importance of providing balanced feed and mineral mixtures to help animals better withstand heat stress.
She added that weak, sick and elderly animals required special care and attention during extreme weather conditions.
Dr Mad-e-ha Tariq told APP that the livestock department was actively running an awareness campaign to guide farmers on animal health protection.
She further advised farmers to immediately contact nearby vets or livestock department staff in case of severe symptoms to ensure timely treatment and prevent losses.
