Vaccination, foot care, dry fodder: how Punjab tries to protect its cattle population hit by floods

Veterinary experts said a statewide vaccination campaign against Gal Ghotu (Haemorrhagic septicaemia, a bacterial disease) was completed by July 31, well before the floods affected the state. The campaign successfully covered 95 per cent of the cattle population, and the effect of the vaccine, a must before the rainy season, lasts six months. They said owners should contact veterinary doctors immediately if any animals were left out.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Rahul Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, said they are planning booster doses of the vaccine. He said that, thus far, there has been no outbreak of any disease, and none of the cattle deaths have been attributed to infectious or fungal causes. Most of the animals died after being swept away by floodwaters, crushed under collapsing sheds, or from snake bites during the deluge, he added.

Risks cattle face during floods

Officials warn that floods increase the risk of livestock developing foot rot disease, parasitic infections, and poisoning from contaminated water and feed.

“During floods, unwanted elements often enter the water, increasing the risk of poisoning. Fodder should always be kept dry because moist feed can cause fungal infections,” a senior official said. Floods can cause stress in cattle and affect their feed, leading to digestive problems, according to officials.

Bhandari said the Animal Husbandry staff, along with residents and NGOs, are assisting cattle rearers in relocating their animals to dry, elevated areas to prevent hoof infections.

“We are supplying the necessary feed and nutrition to the animals through government support. However, we are also asking our volunteers for assistance. If they wish to help, they can provide animal feed that includes mineral mixtures or powdered feed to ensure we maintain milk productivity,” said Bhandai.

To ensure proper foot care, officials are washing hooves with disinfectants such as potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) to prevent foot rot. For vector control, measures are being implemented to combat ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites that thrive in stagnant water. Bhandari also mentioned that the Animal Husbandry Department has established relief camps that provide veterinary care, fodder, silage, and medicines.

Teams are working around the clock to treat animals and provide psychological counselling to farmers, many of whom have reported stress in their cattle, he said.

“Animals, too, are under stress. Some milking cattle may develop health issues if they are not milked regularly during floods, and changes in their feed have added to the problem. It will take some time for them to return to normal,” said Bhandari.

He also talked about the method to prevent disease transmission from carcasses to humans. “We are disposing of dead animals by burying them in pits that are 8 to 10 feet deep, using lime (chuna), calcium oxide, and salt. This method ensures safe decomposition and prevents contamination of water sources.”