26 April 2012 - Over 1,300 animals were treated in a one-day mobile veterinary camp conducted by the UNMISS Indian battalion today in Makolchuei village in South Sudan's Jonglei State.

Main illnesses afflicting the animals included internal parasites from unhygienic water and feed, respiratory infections and external parasites (ticks), according to Major Ashish Tiwar, a veterinary doctor and commander of the battalion's Remount and Veterinary Detachment.

"I believe the veterinary aid camp will help the local people to improve their animal production while promoting UNMISS image on the local population," said Major Tiwar.

Residents of Makolchuei, which lies in Bor Country, expressed gratitude to the veterinary team for its medical assistance.

"Our animals are the main sources of our living," said Makolchuei Chief Mawut Maror. "Treating our animals for illness is a great support."

The chief added that transporting animals 20 miles (32 kilometres) to the state capital Bor for treatment was difficult due to a lack of vehicles and poor roads. He requested UNMISS and the government to open a veterinary clinic in the immediate area.

Achol Alith, an 85-year-old woman, was grateful to the team for treating her five goats. "I lost almost 20 cows due to cattle disease in the past and I was scared of losing my goats."

The sixth veterinary camp to be held by the Indian battalion in Jonglei since March, today's clinic brought the total number of animals treated to over 3,300.

Major Tiwar and his team also operate a veterinary clinic in Bor, where they provide services for the community from Monday to Friday.