Guidelines to Prevent Cattle Deaths from Food Poisoning

In the village of Balodhar, located in the Disa district, 36 cows tragically died due to food poisoning. This incident has raised concerns among farmers and animal husbandry officials. To prevent such incidents in the future, Dr. Mahesh Gami, the Deputy Animal Husbandry Officer of Banaskantha district, has provided essential guidelines.

Food poisoning in animals can occur when they consume contaminated feed. It is crucial for farmers to ensure that the fodder provided to the animals is free from harmful substances. They should avoid feeding cows with rotten or mouldy feed. This includes materials like jowar, maize, bajra, and other types of fodder that may have been sprayed with pesticides.

Farmers are advised to properly tag their animals and ensure they are vaccinated. Deworming is also essential to keep the animals healthy. Fire safety measures should be followed to safeguard animal shelters. The guidelines emphasize that animals should only be fed freshly cut fodder. Late evening harvested fodder contains fewer toxins.

The symptoms of food poisoning in cattle can be severe. In cases of acute poisoning, animals can die within 15 to 20 minutes. If the poisoning is less severe, the animals may experience difficulty breathing, swelling, and signs of distress. Farmers must be vigilant and monitor their cattle closely. If any unusual symptoms arise, immediate veterinary assistance should be sought.

Dr. Gami stresses the need for farmers to follow these instructions to protect their livestock. The animal husbandry department is committed to ensuring the safety and health of cattle in the region. All Gaushalas (cow shelters) and Panchayats are urged to comply with these guidelines to prevent further losses.

Food poisoning is not just a concern for humans; it also poses significant risks to livestock. Farmers are encouraged to educate themselves about safe feeding practices and to remain alert for any signs of illness in their animals. With proper care and attention, we can safeguard our cattle and ensure their well-being.