Kargil, July 07: The Animal Husbandry Department in Kargil has reported a significant outbreak of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-like illness affecting cattle in the highland pastures of Matayan, Pandarss, Minamarag, Omachikthang, and surrounding areas. The outbreak, ongoing for the past three weeks, has prompted an urgent response from the department, led by Dr. Mohd Amine, BVO Drass, despite severe manpower shortages.
Dr. Gulzar Hussain, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO) Kargil, addressed the media, urging all cattle owners to visit their livestock in the affected pastures immediately. He emphasized that the absence of owners has been a major concern, as proper care and monitoring are crucial to prevent complications such as secondary infections and ensure the animals receive adequate feeding and overall care.
“The Animal Husbandry Department has been providing medical treatment for the past three weeks,” said Dr. Hussain. “However, the overall well-being of the cattle depends on consistent monitoring and care by the owners. The department cannot assume responsibility for any loss of livestock due to a lack of owner supervision and care.”
Dr. Hussain stressed that owner involvement is indispensable in preventing potential mortality and safeguarding livestock health. The department remains committed to supporting livestock owners through this challenging period, but it is essential that owners take immediate action and attend to their animals in the grazing sites.
