Bhubaneswar: Nearly 4.89 lakh animals have been affected by the floods in nine districts of Odisha, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik informed on Saturday.
According to the latest data provided by the Minister, the floods have impacted 45 blocks, 398 gram panchayats and 1,341 villages across the nine districts. When it comes to livestock sector, a total of 4,88,868 animals have been affected, including 3,11,512 large animals and 1,77,356 small animals. In addition, 2,33,763 poultry have also come under the impact of the floods.
The Minister further informed that the department has deployed 58 veterinary rapid response teams for the treatment and care of the affected animals. Health camps have been organised at 245 locations, where 15,179 animals have so far received treatment. A total of 263 metric tonnes of animal feed has been supplied to the affected areas. To ensure continuous support, the department has activated the helpline number 1962, which is operational round the clock.
Minister Mallik assured that if any domestic animals remain trapped due to floodwaters, the rapid response teams will be sent for their rescue. As part of preventive measures, 6,46,825 animals were vaccinated before the floods, while an additional 11,800 vaccinations have been carried out after the floods began. The department has also supplied 800 metric tonnes of cattle feed to the affected districts, along with 73.2 quintals of green fodder and 13.9 quintals of dry fodder and straw.
Official reports indicate that five large animals, 120 small animals and 80,900 poultry have died due to the floods so far.
The minister stated that relief and treatment operations are being carried out on a war footing to protect the livestock population in the flood-hit regions.
“”Strict instructions have been given to departmental officers and staff to ensure continuous service so that not a single animal in the affected areas remains hungry or goes without treatment”, stated the Minister.
