Source:
Millions of livestock have been affected by the floods in Pakistan and are badly in need of food and medicine. Around 200 000 cows, sheep, buffalo, goats and donkeys have been confirmed as dead or missing but the final numbers will be higher, possibly into the millions. The entire poultry stock has been wiped out in some areas. Millions of surviving animals are now facing severe feed shortages.
Many animals died because people had to leave them behind when they were rescued by the Pakistan military and other rescue services. "You can put chickens, goats and sheep in the boat and take them with you but you can't take a buffalo or a cow," said Simon Mack, Chief, FAO Livestock Production Systems Branch.
The main priority — and challenge — is to get feed to those animals that have survived as much of the country's traditional animal feed — straw and forage — has been lost in the floods. For buffalo and cattle, it is essential to enable the herds to rebuild quickly during the next breeding season.
It is also imperative to get medicine to animals that have fallen weak or sick because of the disaster.
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