JONGLEI – For cattle keepers, their livestock is more than a source of income – it’s a sign of status, wealth, and an important part of family life.
So, when an animal falls sick or suffers from serious injuries, it becomes akin to an ailing community member.
With veterinary care often out of reach due to high costs and the remote location of cattle camps, Indian peacekeepers serving with UNMISS have been working since 2008 to save as many cattle as possible.
During a recent veterinary camp in Bor peacekeepers received a heartfelt welcome from cattle keepers such as Thon Chol Aguto who feared losing his cow after it was attacked by a crocodile.
“The injuries were so bad that my family and friends advised me to take my cow to the butcher, but I couldn’t get myself to give up on her,” shared Thon.
Following the free treatments by the veterinarians, including minor surgeries and supplementary animal feed to help cattle keepers protect their livestock, the cherished cow started walking again and is on the route to recovery.
Thon’s experience was shared by many others who closely follow the Indian veterinarians’ free treatment schedules.
“Since the peacekeepers arrived, they have been working hard to support our community. In the current economic climate, receiving free medical supplies is not something we take for granted. Their veterinary teams have been moving from one cattle camp to another to help us. Yesterday, they visited the cattle camp in the northern part of our area; today, they are here, and tomorrow, they will visit another cattle camp in the east,” explained Gabriel Ayuen Pach.
Particularly for women cattle keepers, these interventions provide much needed relief in situations where the navigation between child and cattle care leaves little space.
When Yom Alier Garang noticed that one of her cows was gradually losing its sight, her only hope rested with the arrival of the Indian vets:
“I thought she would be blind for ever and may not be able to follow the rest of our cattle family, but thanks to our peacekeeper friends, she can see again. I couldn’t be happier.”
And the peacekeepers didn’t stop there. To ensure that their efforts will have a long-lasting impact, they also use every veterinary initiative to train interested cattle keepers in general and emergency livestock care.
“Since our collaboration started almost 20 years ago, our local veterinary personnel have worked closely with the peacekeepers and gained knowledge about animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases or infections that can spread between animals and humans,” highlighted Abraham Alier, Deputy Director of the Bor County Veterinary Department.
Alier himself was able to receive training at a veterinary hospital in India a few years back where he was particularly interested in the direct link between animal care and public health.
For Lieutenant Colonel Harmanjit Singh Goraya, a Veterinary Officer with the Indian battalion, and his team, it is both the tangible difference they make to the lives of communities and cattle that continue to motivate them:
“For us, the intention behind these activities goes beyond veterinary care. By educating communities on safe animal handling and health maintenance, we also have a direct impact on their own health.”
Especially in communities where cattle are central to livelihoods, such support makes a meaningful difference. A sick animal may recover, a cow that was feared lost may survive, and a cattle owner may learn how to not just keep their livestock but also human family safe.
By Mach Samuel
