Amid widespread flooding across Odisha, the state government has swung into decisive action to protect livestock, treating animal welfare as a top priority alongside human relief efforts.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Saturday underlined the urgency of safeguarding domestic animals, announcing that 58 Rapid Response Teams have been deployed and 245 animal treatment camps organised in the worst-hit areas. So far, these camps have provided medical care to 15,179 animals.
A dedicated control room has been set up to assist livestock owners. Animal rearers can dial 7205598125 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for help with animal safety, fodder supply, and veterinary treatment.
The current floods have affected nine districts, spanning 45 blocks, 331 gram panchayats and 1,341 villages. Nearly 4.89 lakh animals have been impacted. Pre-flood vaccination drives covered 6,46,825 animals, while an additional 11,800 doses have been administered in the aftermath.
Tragedy has not been entirely averted: five large animals, 120 small animals and 80,900 poultry birds have perished. In response, the department has rushed 800 metric tonnes of cattle feed to the affected districts, along with 73.2 quintals of green fodder and 13.9 quintals of dry grass and straw.
“Ensuring the safety of our animal resources during this crisis is non-negotiable,” Minister Mallick told the media, stressing continuous monitoring and rapid intervention.
With the control room now operational and field teams on the ground, authorities are working round the clock to minimise further losses and support farmers whose livelihoods depend on livestock.
Residents in flood-hit areas are urged to make full use of the helpline and report any distress among their animals without delay.
