Keywords:
- Pre-monsoon rains livestock health Kerala
- Infectious diseases cattle Kerala
- Mastitis prevention dairy industry
- Ephemeral fever vaccination cattle
- Haemorrhagic septicemia Pasteurella vaccination
With heavy rains arriving even before the onset of monsoon, livestock farmers in Kerala are being urged to take utmost precautions to prevent infectious and production-oriented diseases among their animals. Veterinary experts warn that the severe stress from summer heat can reduce immunity, leading to potential outbreaks.
Kerala, known for its more than 95% crossbred cattle population, faces heightened risks of diseases like mastitis due to unhygienic conditions and waterlogging caused by heavy rains.
Mastitis Threatens Dairy Industry
“Unhygienic conditions and waterlogging will cause the flare-up of organisms causing mastitis,” explains Dr. T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director of Entrepreneurship at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU). Mastitis not only affects milk production but also leads to significant economic losses for the dairy industry, with an estimated annual loss of ₹12,000 crores nationally.
Vaccination Recommendations
According to Dr. Sethumadhavan, livestock require vaccination against several diseases before the monsoon intensifies:
- Ephemeral Fever: Ectoparasites can transmit the virus causing ephemeral fever in cattle. Vaccination is recommended to prevent its spread.
- Haemorrhagic Septicemia: Vaccination against Pasteurella infection, which causes haemorrhagic septicemia, should be administered during the early monsoon period.
- Foot and Mouth Disease: Farmers are advised to vaccinate cattle against foot and mouth disease early in the monsoon season.
These preventive measures are crucial to safeguard the health of livestock and ensure the stability of the dairy industry during the challenging pre-monsoon and monsoon periods.
Related News:
