An intense heatwave in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, has caused goats being prepared for Eid al-Adha to fall ill with fever and dehydration.
The situation threatens the livestock readiness for the upcoming religious holiday, placing additional pressure on caretakers and veterinarians in northern India.
Animals in the region have developed symptoms including diarrhoea, and fever. These health issues are attributed to heat stress and severe dehydration caused by the rising temperatures in the plains of Uttar Pradesh [1].
The Indian meteorological department establishes specific thresholds for heatwave declarations. In the plains, a heatwave is declared when temperatures reach 40 °C (104 °F) [2]. In hilly areas, that threshold is lower, set at 30 °C (86 °F) [2].
Veterinarians and caretakers in Moradabad are working to stabilize the animals. The livestock are being prepared for Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice associated with the holiday occurring in early June 2024 [1].
The heatwave has created a challenging environment for animal husbandry in the region. The combination of high temperatures and humidity often leads to rapid dehydration in goats, necessitating constant monitoring and medical intervention to prevent further loss of livestock [1].
“Goats fell ill with fever, diarrhoea, and dehydration due to an intense heatwave.”
This incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of agricultural livestock to extreme weather events in South Asia. As temperature thresholds are frequently breached during critical periods, such as the lead-up to major religious festivals, the economic and cultural impact on local farmers and practitioners increases.
