Bhubaneswar, 18 August (H.S.): Floods have affected seven districts of Odisha, impacting more than 2.92 lakh cattle and buffaloes, besides large numbers of goats, sheep and poultry birds, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said.

According to the Minister, 88 blocks across Bhadrak, Jajpur, Balasore, Keonjhar, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapada districts have been affected by the floods.

The floods have affected 2,92,194 cattle and buffaloes, 1,61,983 goats and sheep, and 44,459 poultry birds. In addition, 83,265 farmers have been affected by the situation.

To protect livestock and prevent the spread of diseases, the government has deployed 36 Rapid Response Teams and organised 50 animal health camps in the affected areas.

Veterinary teams are conducting health check-ups and administering vaccinations to animals at these camps. Officials are also monitoring the condition of livestock in flood-hit areas.

Minister Mallik said adequate stocks of cattle feed are available in the state. Fodder is being transported to the affected districts according to local requirements to ensure that livestock owners do not face shortages during the flood situation.

The government is also providing necessary assistance to farmers and other people affected by the floods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda