Isbah Arshad, Misbah Ijaz*, Asad Manzoor
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, UAF
Corresponding author’s email: misbah.ijaz@uaf.edu.pk
Livestock is the second most affected subsector after crops accounting for 39% loses caused by floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains, and melting glaciers continue to impact large areas of Pakistan. Among the hardest hit are livestock—cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats—which provide milk, meat, and income for farming families. The loss of even a few animals can translate into severe socio-economic distress for already vulnerable communities.
Floodwaters create a perfect environment for disease spread. Animals standing in stagnant water develop foot rot, skin infections, and maggot-infested wound. If you find your animals having such wounds and infections it is advisable to wash them with Hydrogen peroxide and Povidone Iodine. Cases of Pneumonia may occur extensively, as damp and unhygienic conditions weaken respiratory health.
To manage pneumonia in livestock, give Saline Electuary with Noshadar, or simple Jaggery to ease cough. You can also use medicines like Diclostar or Encure, and provide steam inhalation with a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to help breathing. Moreover, the outbreaks of Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) may intensify, causing mortality and reduced productivity.
These diseases need quick care from a vet, and animals should be Vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t been already. For FMD, wash mouth wounds with Potassium Permanganate solution, apply Somogel, and use Foot Dips of Copper Sulphate 5% soln. For LSD, the main focus should be on insect control with Cypermethrin Sprays, provide supportive drugs such as Loxin, Amivicom, or Penbiotic for atleast 3-5 days, and use traditional repellents like burning dried leaves near animals to keep flies away.
The spread of snakes and insects in waterlogged fields may heighten the risk of Snake Bites and Vector-Borne Diseases, both of which require urgent attention. As first aid, immediately restrict the animal’s movement to slow venom spread, and apply a firm bandage or tie a string just above the wound (not too tight to cut off blood completely) to reduce circulation of venom. Do not attempt to cut the wound or suck the venom. Keep the animal calm and transport it to the nearest veterinary facility for antivenom and supportive treatment.
Floods always destroy standing fodder crops and washed away stored feed. Animals are often left with only water-soaked, moldy fodder not only lacking nutrients but also leads to Digestive disorders and Diarrhea. Drinking contaminated floodwater further compromises animal health, spreading gastrointestinal parasites and waterborne infections. To mitigate digestive upsets in animals, Rice Gruel can be given as it helps in soothing the intestines.
A weak pink solution of Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄) prepared by adding a few crystals to clean water can also be used to flush infectious organisms from the gut. Additionally, Kaolin Powder may be administered if available, as it helps control diarrhea, and feeding Java Plum leaves can also provide relief. In regions that are still unaffected by floods, farmers should take preventive measures by preserving fodder through silage and hay making. As an alternative, farmers can provide commercially available concentrates such as Wanda to maintain energy and nutrition levels in animals.
So, now to deal with floods it is better to make temporary sheds made of bamboo, or plastic sheets that can shield animals from rain and wind. Use lime in animal enclosures as it can reduce dampness and control infection. The government has already established veterinary camps and deployed mobile veterinary units in flood-affected areas to provide vaccination, deworming, and treatment services. Farmers should take advantage of these facilities to avoid further losses.
Always seek advice from a qualified veterinarian instead of making decisions on your own, and ensure proper disposal of dead animals, as carcasses can spread serious diseases to other livestock and humans. With timely veterinary care, proper shelter, and access to safe feed and water, communities can reduce losses and ensure that their animals, and their futures, remain resilient in the face of natural disasters.