Kathmandu, September 3
The floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers have caused extensive damage to Nepal’s livestock and poultry sector, with thousands of animals and birds swept away or drowned in Nuwakot alone.
A preliminary assessment by the Nepal Veterinary Association estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 pigs and around 150,000 commercial chickens were killed in the flood in Nuwakot.
Around 500 buffaloes also died after being swept away or submerged, according to the association.
A six-member team from the association visited flood-affected areas of Nuwakot on Wednesday, the seventh day after the flood, to assess the damage and collect preliminary information on losses in the livestock and poultry sector.
The team said the floodwaters were flowing with such force that there was little possibility of finding animals alive, even if they had initially survived with injuries.
The large number of dead animals and birds has also raised concerns over the possible spread of infections and diseases.
Dr Shankar Neupane, general secretary of the Nepal Veterinary Association, said the deaths of large numbers of commercially raised chickens and pigs had not only wiped out farmers’ investments but could also create challenges for animal health and recovery in the coming days.
“Farmers have lost their livestock as well as their investment. The focus now needs to be on disease control and helping them recover,” he said.
During the field visit, the team also met Dr Sudip Koirala, a member of the association, and his family, who have been staying at a temporary shelter or with relatives after their home was damaged by the flood. The association pledged to support the family in their recovery.
The team also handed over veterinary medicines and feed supplements to Dr Nishant Sharma Gelal, chief of the Veterinary Services Office in Nuwakot.
Through Bidur Municipality, the association also provided food and other humanitarian relief materials to flood-affected people.
The association has called for the immediate and safe disposal of dead animals and birds, along with disease-control and animal-health programmes in the affected areas.
It has also called for immediate relief as well as long-term rehabilitation and compensation for farmers who have lost livestock in the disaster.
The assessment team included association secretary Dr Bishal Pokhrel, treasurer Dr Bikash Shrestha, Karnali Province chair and central committee member Dr Umesh Giri, central committee member Dr Sushilkumar Rai, former president Dr Sheetalkaji Shrestha and former central committee member Dr Rakesh Chand.
