Dr. Sadaf Faiz, Dr. Aisha Khatoon, Dr Aneela Amin
Department of Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Sadaf.pathology@uaf.edu.pk
Climate change is not only about melting ice or rising seas it also profoundly affects animal health in many ways, either directly or indirectly.
Heat Stress in Animals
Heat can affect animal health in the same ways as human health. Excessive heat production can lead to heat stroke, lower fertility and production rate, development of reproductive, metabolic diseases, and immunosuppression in cattle, poultry, and working animals. Whenever there is more heat production, the homeostatic system of animals becomes activated to protect them by increasing heat loss and reducing heat production. All this process leads to increased respiration and sweating and decreased feed intake. All these factors collectively contribute to the occurrence of metabolic disorders in affected animals.
The mechanism of immunosuppression due to heat stress is not straightforward; it may depend upon many factors such as species, breed, age, population density, and duration of exposure to unfavorable conditions. Whenever there is immunosuppression, there is a higher chance of disease incidence and impaired productive and reproductive efficacy, which ultimately compromises animals’ health and welfare. Provision of shady areas, proper ventilation, cold and clean drinking water, and enough feed can help to reduce the effect of heat during the hot hours of the day.
Spread of diseases
Increased environmental temperature provides a more conducive environment for the parasites to survive in new places. Development of more breeding places of the insect population may lead to the introduction of insect-borne diseases in the human and animal community. In a nutshell, diseases are spreading into regions where they were not present before. To control this problem, veterinarians and field workers must adopt vaccination strategies and timely monitor their flocks or herds for any unfamiliar conditions or diseases.
Effect on feed and water source
The effect of climate change is not limited to humans or animals; food and feed sources are greatly affected. Quantity as well as quality of fodder is affected depending upon the geographical location and prevailing seasonal conditions. Harsh weather conditions greatly affect the livestock production and growing pastures in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Increased heat production and drought periods have caused a detrimental effect on growing vegetation in different zones. There is also variation in the length and timing of sowing weather, which is a crucial element for the availability of fodder throughout the year. Similarly, the competition for the use of water for crops and livestock will increase in the coming years, and more efforts will be required to mitigate the increasing effects of global warming and climate change.
Mitigation strategies
Adaptation and mitigation strategies collectively can reduce the effect of climate change on the livestock population and production.
Breeding of climate-resilient animals
Selective breeding of animals can play a major role in reducing the unfavorable effects of climate change. The selection of specific traits or breeds of animals that are heat-tolerant and disease-resistant can utilize local resources more efficiently as compared to foreign breeds. These climate-friendly breeds not only take a leading role in the production of sustainable livestock production but also help to improve genetic diversity, thereby enhancing their resistance against various environmental stressors.
Effective management system
Livestock as well as crop production can only be increased during harsh weather conditions if we effectively monitor all the management issues. Like use of modern equipment can help to predict weather forecasts so we can timely manage all issues that could arise due to hot weather. Use of proper ventilation, maintaining stocking density according to the available space, provision of shady areas, and timely management of extreme heat waves with the use of showers in animal sheds. Similarly use of the latest artificial tools can help to get an idea about the best sowing and cultivation time to get maximum yield.
Preservation of natural resources and habitats
Preservation and restoration of natural animal habitats, resources, and damaged ecosystems are a prime element to reduce the harmful effects of climate change. Certain forestry programs, protected areas, and animal corridors are a few top examples that are playing a leading role in the preservation of biodiversity. Moreover, restoration of wetlands and forests provides natural habitat to a variety of animals. Local and government organizations may work in collaboration to protect such natural resources, which would be helpful in the survival of various delicate species of animals from climate change.
Public Awareness
There should be education campaigns and seminars aimed at improving awareness among local people, farmers, the law, and policymakers who care for animal health about the increasing global warming. Focus should be on improving greenery as well as the reduction of environmental pollution. Burning of fuel for energy production and transportation releases gases and air pollutants, which ultimately increase global warming. Education can help people to change their behavior, critical thinking, and attitude in the preservation of natural green spaces.
Capacity building programs and training of farmers and local extension workers on the use of smart agriculture tools and practices, early disease recognition and management, all these tactics can help in the reduction of the effects of climate change