Ghazni is one of the provinces where most residents are engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, and their livelihoods largely depend on these activities. The spread of animal diseases and their transmission among livestock in this province sometimes create serious challenges for farmers—challenges that, if not addressed in time, can lead to significant and irreversible economic losses.
One of these problems is the spread of ′mastitis′, an inflammation of the udder in livestock, which has become a major concern for many livestock farmers. Several livestock farmers in Ghazni report that the disease has reduced milk production, particularly in infected cows, and that milking affected animals has become difficult or even impossible. In addition, both the quality and quantity of milk decline.
Jan Ali, a livestock farmer in the ′Qala-e Shahada′ area in the center of Ghazni, says, “When this disease affects a cow, its udder becomes swollen and the milk is no longer usable. The color of the milk changes completely and turns yellow. Without milk and yogurt, farmers suffer losses.”
Nafisa, a female livestock farmer in ′Khwaja Omari′ district of Ghazni, also explains, “At first, a small lump appeared in our cow’s udder, and then the milk turned yellow. My husband took the cow to a veterinarian, who advised us to keep the barn clean. Before the disease, the cow produced one to one and a half seers of milk (a traditional local unit of measurement), but now production has dropped to half a seer or less. We are suffering serious losses.”
Meanwhile, livestock experts attribute the spread of the disease to poor hygiene practices and lack of awareness among farmers. They emphasize that mastitis can cause substantial economic losses for livestock farmers.
Habibullah Faizi, a university teacher and livestock expert, says, “This is a serious disease that mainly affects cows and their udders. As a result, animals produce less milk, or their milk production stops completely. If animals become infected and farm hygiene is not maintained—if barns are unclean, equipment is not disinfected, and farmers’ hands and containers are not properly cleaned—the disease can spread rapidly. The best method of prevention is strict farm hygiene, and infected animals should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.”
Officials at the Ghazni Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock report that 250 livestock farmers have visited animal health clinics in the province this year due to mastitis infections. They add that their veterinary staff provide comprehensive guidance to farmers.
Mohammad Zakaria Hotak, Head of the Press at the Ghazni Department of Agriculture, says, “According to reports from the Livestock and Animal Health Directorate, 270 cases of mastitis have been recorded this year, including 120 cases in the center of Ghazni and 150 cases in the districts. The Animal Health and Livestock Department remains active and continues to provide services to livestock farmers. It also conducts awareness programs, disease diagnosis, and animal vaccination campaigns.”
Mastitis is one of the most common diseases affecting livestock and is often caused by poor hygiene and a lack of awareness. If not addressed on time, it can even lead to the death of affected animals.
Reporter: Turyalai Tabesh
