South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok
The Director of Veterinary Services in the State Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, Mr. Ruben Makoi Yuol has urged all cattle keepers to visit their nearest animal health facilities.
His appeal follows the successful surgical operation of a calf suffering from an umbilical hernia, emphasising the importance of timely veterinary care for the health and productivity of livestock.
“The inside cover of all intestines was cracked, causing the intestines to fall inside the skin. Lakes State is lacking surgical equipment, and we have mutual cooperation with pharmaceutical managers for veterinarians to help address this situation,” he stated during an interview yesterday.
“This beef will be under the supervision of the Directorate of Veterinary Services for a specified period until it recovers. It should not graze as it did before due to this recent operation. The national government is expected to provide us with surgical tools for our domestic animals in case of general operations.”
He urged cattle keepers to report diseases to the Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism before they become severe.
“This operation on the calf was attended by the State Director General, Mr. Gabriel Makuac Aggrey, and all professional doctors,” Yuol noted.
However, Yuol revealed that dogs are very unfriendly towards sheep, goats, and children in the state, and the ministry has also raised concerns about dog rabies, but public response has been poor.
“Dog bites are dangerous and harmful to both herds and children. The issue of dog ownership becomes problematic when they bite, as street dogs are very common. They need to be eliminated with consultation from state authorities to find a proper mechanism for their removal.”
Dr. Manyang Akuot Ater, Director of Clinical Veterinary Services, praised the IRC and the Ministry of Health for funding livestock welfare. He emphasised that the welfare of animals is a key concern for the state ministry, including clinical medicines, vaccinations after illnesses are identified, and dental care for dogs to prevent gum infections.
Diseases prevalent in Kur Nhom have posed challenges for the ministry. Children should not be sent with animals to the ministry for treatment.
“This requires a thorough explanation of how the disease originated in the animals, as livestock cannot communicate, and children are not able to provide justifications. Forty-three herds were successfully operated on, and one goat died during that operation.”
Hon. Kedit Madol Kedit, a member of the Lakes State Legislative Assembly representing Matangai Constituency No. 6, expressed his gratitude to the qualified veterinary doctors for their work. He stated that he signed the document for the operation concerning animal resources, fisheries, and tourism, affirming that cattle are the only sustainable source of livelihood for the community.
