Continuing our efforts in fostering partnerships with communities for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation, a livestock health camp was held in a village situated in Desert National Park, on 27th November. The camp was held in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department of Jaisalmer.
1295 sheep and goats were vaccinated with Enterotoxemia vaccine by staff from the animal husbandry department during the course of this camp, this has been a regular drive of the department to vaccinate each animal twice every year. Enterotoxemia is a severe bacterial disease occurring in sheep and goats of all ages that causes death in a large number of seemingly healthy animals in the flock. As treatment is not always effective, vaccination is essential to the prevention of this disease.
As parasitic infections are major cause of disease outbreaks, stunted growth, infertility , loss of production and even mortality in small ruminants like sheep and goat about 1350 animals were given oral deworming anti parasitic and immunity modulator medicines by the GIB team in the camp for prevention and treatment of endoparasites.
Due to the onset of the winter season most of the animals present in the camp for treatment had symptoms of respiratory tract Infections or digestive disturbances. Others had diarrhoea, fever, viral infections, vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases, wounds etc. About 48 small animals and 07 cattle were treated as per requirements. Mineral and vitamin supplements were also distributed to livestock owners in the village.
Together with the WCS-India, GIB team members, The Joint Director (Animal Husbandry Department, Jaisalmer) - Dr. Kalra, Senior Veterinary Officer, In-Charge FGVH, Sam- Dr. Prakash, Veterinary Assistant - Jaswant Singh, Livestock Assistant - Balveer, Livestock Assistant - Girdharilal, In-Charge Beeda Veterinary Sub-center were also involved in these efforts.
Beedha Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Saina Ali, and Liyaqat Ali were also present during the camp. For the first time participation of village women was seen during the camp. They brought sheep and goats to the camp for medication.