web DeskThe Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development revealed that all forces are being mobilized to help farmers, livestock, and pets of people in flood-affected areas in the North. The latest assistance was in Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom provinces, where heavy rains and water from the Mekong River overflowed. He emphasized that livestock offices nationwide should be prepared for the situation as the Meteorological Department predicts heavy rains at the end of the season. They should proceed according to the disaster response plan. After the disaster has subsided, they should urgently survey the damage and raise the level of surveillance for possible animal epidemics in order to reduce livestock losses.
Veterinarian Somchuan Rattanamangkalanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, said that he had received an order from Mrs. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, to help farmers raising livestock, livestock, and pets of people in flood-affected are
as in the North and Northeast.
For the northern provinces affected by Typhoon Yangi, there are 3 provinces: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. They consist of 5 districts, 14 sub-districts, 44 villages, 998 farmers, and 69,703 animals in the flooded areas: 2,951 cows, 1,362 buffaloes, 8,514 pigs, 25 goats/sheep, and 56,851 poultry. There are 145 rai of pasture land. The local livestock office provided immediate assistance as follows: 8,770 kilograms of animal feed, 318 animals were evacuated, and 50 animal health promotion kits were provided. As for reports of dead/missing animals in all 3 provinces, a total of 5,898 animals were reported: 28 cows, 2 buffaloes, 1 pig, and 5,867 poultry. In Chiang Rai Province, where the flooding is widespread and the water level is high, the Chiang Rai Provincial Livestock Office has set up temporary animal shelters at the Chiang Rai Provincial Livestock Office and the Chiang Rai Animal Feed Research and Development Center to provide places for people to move their pet
s. With veterinarians and staff helping to take care of your health.
The latest flooding has occurred in 2 northeastern provinces, Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom, due to heavy rain and the rise of the Mekong River until it overflowed the banks. The Nong Khai Provincial Livestock Office reported that 4 districts, 10 sub-districts, 68 villages have been affected, with 849 farmers and 7,322 affected animals: 4,561 cows, 715 buffaloes, 80 goats, and 1,966 poultry. Immediate assistance includes evacuating 946 animals, providing 8,850 kilograms of animal feed, 18 animal health care kits, treating 55 animals, and 15 relief bags. The Nakhon Phanom Provincial Livestock Office reported that 2 districts, 5 sub-districts, and 11 villages have been affected, with 116 farmers and 972 affected animals: 344 cows and 628 buffaloes. Immediate assistance includes providing 6,000 kilograms of animal feed. Meanwhile, in other provinces along the Mekong River, The Department of Livestock has emphasized the need to be vigilant and pr
epared to provide assistance if a situation arises.
Veterinarian Somchuan said that the Department of Livestock Development has a disaster prevention and resolution plan in advance to prevent and alleviate the situation in the immediate period. The Livestock Disaster Prevention and Resolution Center Committee has held a meeting to rehearse the disaster resolution plan at the district level and prepare various aspects such as surveying risk areas, preparing shelters, evacuating animals in high areas to safety, preparing personnel for rescue operations, and organizing 173 veterinary teams.
The Department of Livestock Development has also prepared 5,351,300 kilograms of royal grass animal feed from 32 animal feed research and development centers in all regions, or 267,565 blocks, which can feed 114,673 cows and buffalo for 7 days; 3,500 survival kits consisting of dog/cat food, poultry food, mineral blocks, antibiotics, water-soluble vitamins, and deworming medication; and medical kits in all 9 districts, read
y to be used to care for animals and treat sick animals promptly in the event of an incident; and 119 vehicles.
Veterinarian Somchuan reiterated that at the end of the rainy season, the Meteorological Department predicts that Thailand will experience more widespread rain and heavy rain in some areas in every region. Therefore, all areas have been ordered to prepare for possible disasters by closely monitoring weather conditions and water situations and to act according to the plan in a timely manner when an incident occurs.
In addition, he also urged public relations to create awareness for farmers in all areas to register as livestock farmers or update farmer registration information to be current in order to receive assistance and compensation if livestock is damaged, as well as public relations for farmers to be informed of news from the government. Another important thing is to monitor animal epidemics to reduce livestock losses.
Veterinarian Somchuan added that he has emphasized that officials should
integrate with local agencies to alleviate farmers’ suffering during the disaster. After the disaster, each affected area should quickly survey the damage, as well as help restore animal health and farmers’ careers, and provide assistance in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Finance.
Source: Thai News Agency
