Punjab Deploys 481 Vet Teams to Aid 2.5 Million Flood-Affected Livestock

Punjab has been severely impacted by devastating floods affecting livestock and poultry across multiple districts. The Punjab Animal Husbandry Department has deployed 481 teams, each consisting of veterinary officers, inspectors, pharmacists, and support staff, to provide treatment and distribute medicines to affected animals, with over 22,500 animals treated so far. Approximately 504 cattle, 73 sheep and goats, 160 pigs, and over 18,300 poultry birds have died, while around 252,000 animals and nearly 589,000 poultry birds have been affected. Relief efforts include distribution of more than 12,170 quintals of feed and over 5,090 quintals of fodder and silage, coordinated through 24/7 control rooms at state and district levels. In addition, the Punjab Senior Vets Association, a group of retired veterinary officers, has established a corpus fund by pooling personal contributions to supply medicines and anti-snake venom doses to flood-affected districts, supplementing government efforts. Officials have called for public cooperation to report animal distress and support ongoing relief operations.