The administration must swiftly dispatch a team of veterinary doctors to the affected areas, to safeguard the livestock of poor, and their livelihood

Amidst the renewed headlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, a different crisis is unfolding in the secluded Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. Here, an unknown ailment has become a cause of worry among the nomadic communities, claiming the lives of numerous domesticated animals that constitute the primary source of income for the underprivileged. Consequently, the economic repercussions of these animal deaths are causing widespread distress. The local veterinary department has faced challenges in identifying the disease and administering appropriate treatment.

According to accounts from the locals, almost 20 days ago, their animals began exhibiting symptoms of fever. Over time, the animals stopped eating and drinking, succumbing to the illness within a few days. It is crucial to note that for the denizens of these remote regions, livestock rearing is a means of economic empowerment as they earn their income through the sale of milk and dung. The gravity of the issue becomes apparent when considering that numerous households in this area rear hundreds of animals. There have been repeated pleas from the locals urging prompt administrative intervention and measures to preserve the animals' lives. The administration has yet to dispatch veterinary doctors to the affected villages, intensifying the distress among the populace.

In this context, social worker Muhammad Iqbal emphasizes that the residents of these mountainous regions confront various challenges during the winter season. The area remains snowbound for three months, rendering it inaccessible. Failure to address these challenges before winter sets in could significantly impact the overall well-being of the people in this region. Another social worker, Adil Hussain, points out that the unknown epidemic among livestock has been steadily increasing in these areas for some time, hinting at potential future difficulties for the local population.

Sayma Bano, a local woman, is deeply troubled by the lack of compensation for the losses incurred due to the death of livestock from the disease. She emphasizes the crucial need for the administration's attention to compensate the poor for their losses. Sayma has already informed the District Development Commissioner, Vishwapal Mahajan, about the dire situation. She urges him not only to arrange compensation for the deaths of animals but also to ensure better treatment for the surviving livestock against this disease. Despite their efforts, there has been no positive response so far. She underscores that the administration's silence on this issue is aggravating their difficulties. Fatima Farooq, the Block Development Officer of Thathri, adds to the concern by stating that this unknown disease has been progressively affecting the livestock in the Thathri sub-district. The current trajectory of the disease spreading this year indicates that people might have to face more difficulties in the near future.

The central question arises: What is this disease, and what are its underlying causes? Addressing this query, local veterinarian Dr Talib Hussain mentions that the exact causes of this disease are yet to be determined. However, changing environmental conditions and adverse weather are believed to be contributing factors. Poor-quality fodder is also identified as a potential cause for the disease's spread. Dr Hussain advises livestock owners to provide their animals with fresh grass instead of contaminated fodder. While he acknowledges that the government and administration are taking the issue seriously, he highlights a severe shortage of veterinary doctors in the Doda district. Consequently, it's impractical for doctors to visit every household for animal inspections. Nevertheless, he suggests that through veterinary camps organized by the department, animal treatment can be facilitated. Dr. Hussain urges livestock owners to take precautions themselves and promptly contact the nearest veterinary doctor if any signs of illness appear in their animals. Despite the challenges, there is hope that the administration will swiftly dispatch a team of veterinary doctors to these areas, safeguarding both the income sources of the poor and their livestock from this unknown disease.

(Baber Nafice is a journalist from Doda, J&K. Views are personal. Charkha Features)