BUDGAM, OCTOBER 28: In continuation of its outreach and livestock health initiatives, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) organized a special Animal Health Camp for footrot-affected sheep in the Ranger area of Chadoora, Budgam.
The camp was aimed at providing on-spot diagnosis, treatment, and preventive advisory services to sheep farmers affected by this economically significant disease.
A team of scientists and veterinarians from SKUAST-Kashmir treated around 200 sheep suffering from footrot, a contagious bacterial disease that leads to lameness and productivity loss in small ruminants.
The initiative was jointly organized by KVK Budgam, the Division of Veterinary Microbiology, the Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (FVSc & A.H.), Shuhama, and the Department of Sheep Husbandry Kashmir.
During the camp, Assistant Professor, (Division of Veterinary Microbiology), Dr. Mir Nadeem Hassan, educated farmers on the etiology, transmission, and preventive measures of footrot, emphasizing farm hygiene, regular footbaths, and early detection.
Head, Division of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Zubair Akhoon, discussed treatment protocols and the importance of timely veterinary intervention using appropriate antibiotics and antiseptics.
Scientist, Animal Science, KVK Budgam, Dr. Kavita, highlighted managemental and nutritional strategies to enhance flock immunity and minimize disease outbreaks.
On the occasion, advisory literature, awareness materials, free medicines and disinfectants were distributed among the participating farmers to facilitate immediate treatment and containment of the disease.
The camp also featured interactive sessions, where farmers shared their concerns related to animal health, nutrition, and vaccination.
The initiative received enthusiastic participation from the local farming community, who appreciated SKUAST-Kashmir’s continued efforts to improve livestock health and productivity in the region.
Such extension activities form an integral part of SKUAST-Kashmir’s mission to bridge the gap between research and field application, ensuring that scientific knowledge directly benefits farmers and contributes to the sustainable development of the livestock sector in Jammu and Kashmir.