Ganderbal: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (KVK) Ganderbal organized a mega Equine health camp at Baltal enroute the Amarnath holy cave on Thursday.
The camp was attended by ponywallas who helped devotees to trek 14 kms on the very narrow and treacherous tract from Baltal to holy cave. During the camp, 150 ponies and horses received free health check-up and treatment. The common disease problems of horses recorded during the health camp were Saddle sores, Abscess, Lameness, tick infestation, digestive problems, worm infestation, malnutrition, debility, abscess and Foot injury.
Besides the health check-ups and treatment, several essential veterinary medicines including mineral mixtures and vitamins, deworming medicines, liquid calcium supplements, liver stimulants, stomachic powder and wound healing ointments were distributed among the farmer free of cost.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his address, Prof Nazir Ganie appreciated the efforts of KVK Ganderbal in organizing the camps during the holy yatra and stressed upon ponywallas to ensure proper feeding and regular health check-up for horses and ponies during the yatra.
The camp was led by Prof. Dil Mohmmad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K who himself performed through examination, onspot procedures and provided necessary Prescriptions for various ailments. He also guided the ponywallas regarding the health and nutritional management of the horses and ponies necessary for logistics of the yatra. The team of experts include scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shuhama and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ganderbal.
At the outset Dr Ishfaq Abidi, Sr. Scientist and Head KVK Ganderbal thanked the Chief Guest, team of experts from Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SKUAST-K Shuhama, Ponnywallas and associated progressive farmers for making the camp successful. He requested the Ponnywallas and associated people to take maximum advantage of the experts and ensured that KVK will organise more such camps in future. Dr. Pervaiz Dar, Scientist, KVK Ganderbal coordinated the proceedings of the animal camp and thanked the team of experts for their painstaking efforts. Dr. Farooq Ahanger, Scientist, KVK Ganderbal also helped in the smooth conduct of the camp.
Officers from the Animal Husbandry Department, Ganderbal also participated in the camp.

Sheikh Anees