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Express Tribune
25-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Continued animal deaths at Lahore Zoo raise concerns, but new births bring some relief
The tragic streak of rare and valuable animal deaths at Lahore Zoo persists, with the latest casualties including a female Markhor, a James' Buck, and a Sable Antelope. Meanwhile, a white tigress underwent a successful surgery for a fractured leg, and the birth of new animals has provided some solace to the zoo administration. A female James' Buck, recently imported from abroad, succumbed to an infection on Tuesday after battling health complications for weeks due to cold weather. Despite ongoing treatment, the animal could not survive. Just two days earlier, a female Markhor, Pakistan's national animal, suddenly passed away. Similarly, a Sable Antelope also died, adding to the zoo's recent string of losses. Lahore Zoo Director Sheikh Muhammad Zahid stated that the Markhor appeared to be in perfect health before its sudden demise. The carcass was sent to the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences for a post-mortem examination. Initial findings suggest a possible heart attack, but the final cause of death will only be determined after a detailed report. Meanwhile, the James' Buck's death has been attributed to an infection. In another incident, a female white tiger—born with a congenital limb deformity—suffered a severe leg and knee fracture after accidentally falling into a trench in her enclosure. Veterinary surgeons from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences successfully performed an operation, inserting metal plates into the tigress's leg. However, she is expected to undergo another surgery for full recovery. The zoo administration remains hopeful for her rehabilitation. Amidst these losses, there was some positive news as well. The zoo witnessed new births, bringing a glimmer of joy. Three Sindh Ibexes and an Oryx calf were born, offering a moment of relief to the grieving administration.
Express Tribune
04-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Livestock disease surveillance stressed
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Younus has said that continuous surveillance, identification of hotspots, vaccination, monitoring of vaccine effectiveness, biosecurity measures, quarantine at farm level and farmer awareness are important for protecting livestock from the food and mouth disease. The VC sought suggestions and technical inputs from stakeholders during a consultative session on preventing an outbreak of the foot and mouth disease and boosting the livestock sector. He said the FMD was a major cause of economic loss for dairy farmers. He underscored the need to make affective policies and establish a task force for the development of the livestock sector. He said that the UVAS was ready to collaborate with stakeholders to save the sector from the FMD by contributing in research, human resource development and purified vaccine production. Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani said there was a dire need to review the ongoing FMD control strategy. The participants forward various suggestions, calling for a task force for curbing the outbreak in Punjab. The participants urged to enhance local vaccine production, adopt modern practices for farm management, farmer awareness and establishment of disease-free compartments. Dr Muhammad Akram emphasised legislative backing for bringing the FMD under control.
