PRE DISASTER (WAR) PREPAREDNESS PROTOCOLS FOR LIVESTOCK IN INDIA

India has been most vulnerable to man made disasters like war ,Terrorist activities from Pakistan based Islamic Terrorist organizations on account of its unique geographical conditions & natural disaster like flood and earthquake due to is unique geo-climatic conditions.

When war take place or natural disaster comes , it doesn’t discriminate human from animal . Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals and people alike get affected and suffer its terrible effects like fear, stress, hunger, thirst, illness, injury and death at the near by LOC and International boarder area of India.

In recent years, biological disasters including emerging and reemerging infections have assumed serious dimensions as they pose a greater threat to health, environment and national security. The risks and vulnerabilities of our food chain and agricultural sector to Agroterrorism, which involves the deliberate introduction of plant or animal pathogens with the intent of undermining socioeconomic stability, are increasingly being viewed as a potential economic threat. Intensive animal husbandry practices coupled with transborder movement of animal products have also increased the chances of spread of Zoonotic diseases with serious consequences to human health. The specter of pandemics such as Swine Flu (H1N1) and Bird Flu (H5N1) engulfing our subcontinent and beyond poses new challenges to the skills and capacities of the government and society.

We know, health and wellbeing of people and animals are intrinsically linked. People need their animals to be safe and healthy, so that they can survive, move on and rebuild their lives. Animals too need people to care and protect them from suffering and injuries. We have inherited a culture where animals have always been central to our lives, so much so that Mahatma Gandhi said that “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. So, it is time for us to ensure that animals are considered and protected and we do so by including them in all district, state and national disaster management plans and programmes.

We need sustainable solutions and preparedness in disaster management to be able to protect not just people but animals too. People rely on livestock for their survival and care for their animals’ health and wellbeing. Our experience has witnessed the reality of situations, where people are not willing to evacuate before ensuring adequate provisions for their animals and let go of their animals even in life threating situations.

Indian vets have been safeguarding animals from disasters whenever it was imposed . When disaster strikes and animals suffer, Vets are there to bring immediate relief. In India we have been bringing that relief since long back time. This isn’t just an animal issue – people desperately need healthy animals in order to survive and to rebuild their lives. By helping animals, we know we are helping people too.

There is a need to create veterinary Emergency & Disaster management training institutions in every state. Field epidemiology training for animal health professionals and training for field workers needs to be augmented to make the field staff fully competent to support the Emergency situations, outbreak investigation and response. There is need to identify and train Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in all districts to respond to any threat of Emergency, Disaster or outbreak. The orientation of Veterinary doctors to the management of livestock during emergency like war and detection of early warning signals of disease may help in instituting rapid response to an outbreak or emergency situation. Veterinary hospitals and Veterinary college hospitals in major cities and state capitals are not equipped to handle deliberate or natural disaster like war or outbreak of pandemic potential diseases.

Legal Provisions to Protect Animals————-

The Constitution of India:

Under the Section 51 A. it states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India […] (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures”.

Animal Protection Acts:

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, consolidated in 1982 and The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, amended up to 1993 also provides the scope and necessary opportunities for the protection of animals. In addition to this, different States have their own State Acts that are applicable to protect animals within the States jurisdiction.

National Policy on Disaster Management, 2009:

“Animals both domestic as well as wild are exposed to the effects of natural and man-made disasters. It is necessary to devise appropriate measures to protect animals and find means to shelter and feed them during disasters and their aftermath, through a community effort, to the extent possible. It is pertinent to note that many communities have shown compassion to animals during disasters, and these efforts need to be formalized in the preparedness plans. The Departments/ Ministries of the Government of India such as Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Social Justice & Empowerment and the States concerned should devise such measures at all levels”.

National Livestock Policy:

“Contingency plans will be prepared to maintain the productivity and welfare of livestock and poultry sector during various types of natural calamities and drought conditions. Such plans would primarily aim at improving veterinary care and making available feed and fodder through greater emphasis on fodder productivity and storage through silage or fodder blocks”

Role of State Government Department ———-

The AH Department will select preventive action strategies based on the nature and intensity of the disaster’s impact on the animal population. Indicative steps for preventive action selection are as follows

1. Analyze the hazard

2. Determine prevention/ protection action

3. Determine public warning

4. Determine prevention/ protective action implementation plan

Pre Disaster Preparedness———

Early Warning Plan ——

Based on forecast by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Indian Meteorological Department, Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organization, Central Water Commission and other agencies for various types of disasters, States/UTs will take preparatory steps to ensure availability of feed, fodder, drinking water, medicine and vaccination for livestock and for required preparedness in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture activities. DADF will also alert the States/UTs for taking appropriate measure as per the Disaster Management Plan.

Identification of Vulnerability amongst Livestock and Aquaculture Farms—

a. (a) State Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments have to assess and review the impact of different disasters on livestock and develop surveillance and control strategies using epidemiological information and tools, geographic information systems (GIS) and risk assessment and risk mapping methodology.

b. (b) For identification of resources for rescue and treatment of animals during disasters, States/UTs will take the following measures:

i. Assess available manpower i.e. Veterinary Doctors, Para veterinarian staff and ancillary staff.

ii) Review disaster management preparedness of Veterinary medical facilities such as veterinary hospitals, mobile veterinary units, etc.

iii) Provision of adequate storage of medicine, vaccines, surgical and veterinary appliances, diagnostics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), lifesaving equipment, etc.

iv) Ensure the logistical requirements such as fuels, lighting equipment, tents, sheds, bedding, trolleys, and material for sanitation, storage of feed and fodder and water.

v) Arrangements for Ambulance and outreach facility for sick and injured animals.

vi) Identification of disease diagnostic and control measures for fish diseases.

vii) Assessment of existing animal handling search and rescue capacity, equipment, infrastructure facilities and related resources available at State and District levels

Cattle Camps———–

a. Identification of sites for cattle camps with basic facilities like feed, fodder, water and medicines etc. b. Promotional herd health care such as nutrition, pregnant animal care, care of new-born and young animal etc.

c. Arrangements for rehabilitation of animals to recover from any trauma or fear.

d. Provision of dry bedding for all the animals including new born.

e. The identified locations should be safe and easy to access by all species of animals.

Pre-Flood Vaccination in Flood Prone Areas: ——–

a. Mass vaccination and deworming of animals for economically important animal diseases prior to monsoon and as per schedule of vaccination against specific diseases.

b. The animals should be identified by proper documentation to avoid duplication after the vaccination programme.

Feed and Fodder Supply ———-

a. DADF will issue detailed advisory to all the States/UTs for taking necessary measures for increasing the availability of fodder based on latest knowledge and technical knowhow in the field of fodder.

b. List of forage grasses, legumes, shrubs and trees for grassland / grazing land improvement on agro-ecological basis which can be grown in different agroclimatic zones of the country prepared by DADF to be shared with States.

c. Regional Fodder Stations located in different agro-climatic zones of the country to provide seeds produced by them to States for growing fodder crops.

d. States to prepare Contingency Plan for adequate supply of fodder and fodder seeds in the affected areas and to monitor fodder prices so that appropriate interventions at the ground level can be made to ensure availability of fodder for livestock.

e. States/UTs should take appropriate measures for safe stocking of the feed and fodder for emergency supply.

Availability of Drinking Water—–

Ensuring adequate drinking water supply for animals.

Supply of Milk and Milk Products in Disaster Prone Areas —————

a. State Milk Federations to be advised to hold minimum 10 days inventory in the form of milk powder and white butter to meet out any emergency demand/ shortage.

b. New and alternative milk procurement & supply routes to be developed by States to provide access for milk and milk products movement during disaster situation

Poultry Management————–

States/UTs to update information on vulnerable spots/risks related to disasters/ calamities and prepare contingency plan for adequate availability of poultry feed and ingredients.

The following precautions are recommended for the poultry management during disasters:——-

a) Ensuring adequate water supply for birds. Adding chlorine to water will prohibit the growth of bacteria. This chlorinated water should be stored in large containers, away from sunlight.

b) Farms should be equipped with overhead sprinkler systems, which minimize smoke inhalation, cool the air and reduce the chances of burn injuries.

c) Farms should have enough carriers to evacuate all birds during emergencies.

d) Birds should not be left exposed to smoke and fumes, as they are very sensitive to smoke and fumes and succumb much more quickly than most other animals.

e) Birds should be checked for injury and chemical exposure, and a veterinarian should be consulted if necessary. Any bird showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, depression or injury should be examined by a veterinarian.

f) In case birds are moved to a new surroundings, they should not be removed from their cages immediately, as they may be frightened and may fly away. Keeping the birds warm can reduce stress, so if electricity is available, heating should be provided, if not, blankets placed over the cages will have a similar effect

DAHDF has a dedicated Action Plan for rapid response for prevention, control and containment including surveillance of Avian Influenza (AI) in the country.

Disposal of Carcass ———-

Identification of equipment, logistics, manpower and possible sites for safe disposal of carcass by following zoo sanitary measures.

Capacity Building for Disaster Management ———

a. Designating State Departments as nodal agency for each specific activity during disasters by the State Governments.

b. Training requirement analysis and Development of training modules for veterinary professionals in collaboration with NDMA and NIDM, NDRF, Veterinary Colleges and NGOs by the State Governments.

c. Training of veterinary personnel, paravets, attendants, SDRF and Civil defence personnel etc. in livestock disaster management.

d. Animal owners to be trained by District Administration, NDRF, SDRF regarding handling of animals during such disasters.

e. Animal Health awareness for animal owners, social workers, volunteers.

f. Conduct of mock exercises on regular basis as per State specific needs based on their DM plan by State Governments.

g. Establishing emergency communication channels, alternate channels like Ham radios.

h. Inclusion of training module on disaster management under the training and capacity building component of the on-going schemes of the DADF for training of officers, trainers, farmers and cattle owners on mitigation of risk of disaster on livestock and fodder.

i. A module or section on Disaster Management may be incorporated in the relevant trainings of trainers at Central Poultry Development Organization & Training Institute (CPDO&TI), Hessarghatta and also at other CPDOs for disaster time handling by small and marginal farmers as per disaster profile of the region.

Efforts for Community Participation and Mass Mobilisation of Resources in DM——–

a. 29th October of each year is observed as the disaster mitigation day in fisheries sector. On this particular day, public awareness programme to be organized with participation villagers along with Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members to spread awareness about management of fisheries resources during disasters through poster, leaflets, pamphlets etc.

b. States to ensure better and close coordination between various Departments involved in DM and Programme Implementation Agency for different Central and State livestock development schemes in disaster prone areas.

c. Participation of local people and PRI in assessment, design and implementation of State DM Plan.

d. Participation of Veterinary Colleges, NGOs, media, Goshalas, animal welfare organisations and SHGs in disaster management.

e. In case of drought-prone areas the plan for drought preparedness and response should form part of ongoing livestock development schemes with the assumption that periodic droughts will occur during the project cycle.

f. Streamlining/simplification of the procedure for release of assistance in case of emergency.

Animal Population Profile—

State-wise Animal population profile and distribution should be prepared and integrate vulnerability map with livestock profile for better disaster management.

Disaster Response———

Effective and Prompt Response——

a. The Animal Husbandry Departments at States/UTs will take requisite measures to constitute, train and equip veterinary emergency response units at state and district levels for prompt response to any emergency situation along with SDRF and NDRF. These Veterinary Emergency Response Units maybe trained by NDRF and resource persons from state level veterinary colleges.

b. Community being the first responder, the state level veterinary emergency response units along with SDRF and NDRF will conduct community capacity building and awareness generation programme in the vulnerable areas.

c. Assistance of Civil Defence, NGOs, Veterinary College, SDRF, NDRF, Veterinary Wing of Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) and Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) in rescue of livestock.

d. States/UTs will organise cattle shed/shelter for livestock to save them from adverse climatic conditions depending on the nature of disaster like earthquake, cyclone and Tsunami etc,

e. Fluid therapy and treatment of sick/injured animals along with availability of adequate vaccine against prevailing animal diseases and due to impacts of earthquake, flood, tsunami, and drought etc

Rescue of Animals-

f. SDRF, NDRF, Veterinary Wing of CPMFs, RVC and other specialized agencies/ organizations/institutes shall assist State AHDs in livestock rescue and management during different disasters.

g. State AHD will constitute Animal Rescue Teams and provide requisite training to team members.

h. Training of animal owners for rescue of livestock during disaster should be imparted by District Authorities by involving NDRF, SDRF, NGOs and specialized agencies/ organizations in rescue and handling of animals.

i. Arrangements for provision of life saving equipment and rescue of animals, transportation of feed, fodder, medicine and vaccine.

j. Animals to be carefully shifted to suitable safer locations. Poultry birds are shifted with the help of bamboo cages to temporary pen. The dead birds should be segregated from the live ones.

k. As far as possible the animal camps should be organized near human relief camps so that owners can take care of their animals and manage them better.

Arrangement for Drinking Water for Animals: —–

a. Ensuring availability of safe and clean drinking water for animals and poultry.

b. Adequate water supply will be ensured by efficient use of available water resources, rehabilitation of existing water resources and transporting of water from outside, if required. Fish farmers to be allowed to draw intake water from the irrigation channel during drought situation

Treatment of injured/sick animals: ———

a. Arrangement for treatment injured/sick animals and including adlib fluid therapy, preventive vaccination in healthy animals against prevailing disease preventive vaccinations.

b. Shifting of animals from flooded and devastated areas to safer places to save them from diseases.

c. Post-disaster, animals like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, dog and poultry need to be de-wormed with suitable broad spectrum anthelmintic to enable animals to regain proper health.

Livestock/Poultry Feed and Fodder Supply ——-

a. During drought, cyclone, flood and hailstorm, State Govts may avail assistance under Feed and Fodder Development, Sub-Mission of National Livestock Mission to augment feed and fodder supply.

b. Eight Regional Fodder Stations located in different agro-climatic zones of the country are producing foundation seeds. Fodder seeds and technical knowhow on fodder will be made available to States by these Stations.

c. Department supports fodder cultivation and post-harvest technologies under the RKVY programme. For mitigation of natural calamities like drought etc Assisted Fodder Development programme has been launched under RKVY, under which financial assistance is provided for growing fodder.

d. To deal with the short term shortage of fodder during Cyclones, sudden floods, hailstorm and drought, low cost transport arrangements will be coordinated for transportation of fodder from surplus States/Regions to deficit States/ Regions.

e. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries will identify fodder surplus states and facilitate agreement between such States and fodder deficit States Seek DAHDF’s support for agreement between States for purchase of fodder. Railway Authorities will be roped in for transportation of fodder from surplus to deficit areas.

f. Milk Federations/milk union to be advised to enhance production of cattle feed and fodder blocks to meet the demand of feed and fodder in drought affected areas.

g. Enrichment of straws using urea- molasses treatment to meet protein and energy requirements of animals.

h. States should regulate industrial use of straws so that large quantities of straws are available for feeding animals in drought affected areas. States to establish fodder banks in drought and flood affected areas to meet the demand of farmers in case of emergency.

i. Newer technologies and improved scientific practices for feed and feed fodder preservation for emergency supplies to be adopted. (Refer Annexure-A in the DM Plan).

Maintenance of Sanitation:

a. Disinfection of premises of temporary sheds with bleaching powder, phenol, carbolic acid etc.

b. Carcass/ cadaver should not come in contact with healthy animals.

c. Disinfection and treatment of intake waters and effluent water in aquaculture farms

Measures Against Epidemics and Diseases During Disaster—

a. The most common diseases during drought and flood periods are Foot and Mouth disease, Hemorrhagic septicaemia, Black Quarter, Anthrax, Enterotoxaemia, Coliobacillus, Surra, Trypanosomiasis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Pox disease, Mastitis, Brucellosis, Ring worm, Ascariasis, Fascioliasis, Microfilariasis, Tick infestation and mange etc. To control and prevent these diseases, following measures are to be adopted

i. Vaccination: In disaster conditions animals become more susceptible to diseases due to stress and thus all vaccination schedules should be followed.

ii. Deworming: To check the parasitic infestation regular deworming to be followed.

iii. Disinfection of animal sheds by insecticidal spray: disinfection of animal sheds to be done with the compounds like lime powder, alum, formalin, sodium bicarbonate, Bleaching powder, Copper sulphate, phenol gases like HCN, formaldehyde etc. For control of ticks, flies, mosquitoes, lice etc. various insecticides like methrin, melathion, aldrin, etc. may be used.

b. All infectious aquatic diseases listed In the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009 will be actively monitored under National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animals Diseases (NSPAAD) and general preventive measures such as liming of ponds, treatment of intake water including chlorination would be adopted.

c. To minimise the losses in aquaculture, the feeding and production strategies would be revised to suit the available conditions.

Reference-on request