Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu Prof. J.P. Sharma and Director Sheep Husbandry, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar today kick started a campaign for eradication of goat warble fly disease in Jammu & Kashmir under the aegis of ICAR National Fellow Project funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.The goat warble fly disease locally known as “Midu” by the farmers is mainly prevalent in goats of Jammu region and manifested by presence of intermediate stages of life cycle (larvae) of warble fly under the skin of goats.In his address, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that the profitable goat rearing venture warrants implementation of scientific approaches, early disease diagnosis and adoption of technology. Prof Sharma highlighted the importance of the eradication of the disease and informed the gathering that Jammu Kashmir faces meat deficit and annually 21000 tonnes of mutton is imported from neighbouring states. “Hence, goat warble fly disease is an economical set back to goat rearing communities of Jammu Kashmir particularly Gujjers and Bakerwals” he added. Pertinently, in a survey conducted by Division of Veterinary Parasitology, F.V.Sc & AH RS Pura SKUAST J, in 2011, the disease causes an annual loss of Rs. 73,254,547/- which by now has exponentially escalated. He called for taking benefit of various animal disease diagnostic facilities available at FVSc & AH, RS Pura.
Director Sheep Husbandry Department Jammu, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar lauded the efforts of department of Veterinary Parasitology for launching the eradication campaign. He envisioned that the concerted efforts of scientists working on goat Warble fly disease diagnosis, Department of Sheep Husbandry and farmers shall pave way for eradication of goat warble fly disease in near future. During the camp on-spot diagnostic examination for various animal parasitic diseases was performed on the samples brought by the Farmers and dewormers, medicines etc were distributed among them. Abdul Razzaq, a Bakerwal migratory sheep and goat rearer from Dansal area of Jammu was delighted sharing his experience of receiving regular expert guidance and regular examination from Division of Veterinary Parasitology, that helped him wipe out warble fly disease and increased the productivity of his flock.Dr Anil Kaul (District Sheep husbandry Officer) emphasized on transfer of technology from lab to land and its ultimate benefit to the farmers. Dr. M.S. Bhadwal (Dean FVSc & AH RS Pura) enlightened about the use of minidose Ivermectin drug in Goats in month of July to eradicate the disease and minimize the losses.
The event was attended by diverse audience comprising of farmers, incharge Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Jammu region, Veterinary surgeons of Jammu district and research scholars of SKUAST Jammu. Earlier, Dr. Rajesh Katoch, DSW cum Head Division of Veterinary Parasitology welcomed the dignitaries and informed the gathering that the Division runs a project funded by ICAR for early diagnosis and eradication of the disease. Dr. Anish Yadav, Principal Investigator of the ICAR National Fellow Project presented the vote of thanks.