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A specialised Veterinary team assisted over 5000 sheep and goats, reportedly suffering from respiratory issues, in the Bindi Padhar grazing area near Chandrataal in the tribal district of Lahaul & Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.

The disease posed a significant threat to the herds of local Gaddi shepherds.

The team comprising Veterinary Officer Dr Anurag, Veterinary Pharmacist Amar Singh and two animal attendants, Roshan Lal and Kujang Thilley from Keylong camped for three days in the tough area, establishing a base camp in Batal from August 3, 2024, and worked tirelessly at the Gaddi community's camps until the morning of August 6, 2024. 

Upon reaching the Bindi Padhar grazing area, the team inspected over 2,000 goats and provided medical assistance. They treated 600 sick goats and conducted health monitoring and physical examinations of 13 herds belonging to the Gaddi shepherds.

The team leader, Dr Anurag mentioned that the team focused on treating goats that were severely ill, arranging immediate medical facilities for them.

The team distributed essential medicines and vaccines, which led to a noticeable improvement in the condition of the goats. The tribal shepherds appreciated the efforts of the Veterinary team and said without this timely medical assistance, their livestock could have suffered significant losses.

Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry Department at Keylong in Lahaul Spiti, Dr Amitabh, who supervised the planning and execution of the task to assist the ailing sheep and goats, praised the team for their successful work and stated that the department was fully prepared to handle any such emergencies in the future.

He said this operation had provided significant relief to local shepherds and ensured the improvement of their livestock's health.

He noted that the veterinary team had to undertake a challenging Kilometres trek on foot to reach the Gaddi shepherds, crossing several streams without proper safety equipment.

Despite this arduous journey, the team fulfilled their duties and provided the necessary medical assistance to the shepherds' animals, a testament to their dedication and commitment.