ENVIRONMENT
Camel, known as the ship of the desert due to its ability to survive in hostile conditions, is now falling prey to the effects of climate change in the arid zones of Sindh. Deaths have been reported from Kachho in Dadu and Jamshoro, Thar Desert, and the coastal areas, pushing colossal losses on camel herders.
Reports in local Sindhi press reveal that at least 22 camels have so far died in different villages in Kachho and others areas.
Dr Pershotam Khatri, Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Animal Reproduction at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, who has studied camels, confirmed that in Kachho and other districts of Sindh, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) commonly known as Camel flu has been reported, however its diagnosis and confirmation at official level has not been made.
It is a viral respiratory infection caused by the MERS-coronavirus. Fever, cough, diarrhoea, and shortness of breath are common signs of this disease; such diseases are more severe in those areas where other health problems already exist. As of 2015 there is no specific vaccine or treatment reported for the disease. However, broad spectrum antibiotics like long acting oxytetracycline may give temporary relief and help avoid other secondary infections, Khatri said.
The World Health Organisation recommends that those who come in contact with camels wash their hands frequently and do not touch sick camels.
There are also reports of respiratory problems in camels from Achhro Thar (white desert) areas of Hathungo and Banko Chahnio affecting a large population. But no death has been reported so far.
Local camel herders liken this disease with Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), which is most commonly seen in small animals like sheep and goats. It needs to be diagnosed and confirmed at the molecular level (PCR).
“It is the first time this disease has hit the strong animal. Normally, this specific disease affects the smaller animals, like goat and sheep,” Dr Pershotam said.
“I have got information from Achro Thar (white desert) Sanghar, where camel farmers are really worried as a large number of animals are sick at their traditional farms. They usually apply old practices to keep their animals healthy. Mostly, camel farmers residing in these far flung areas do not have access to government veterinary officials,” he said.
The doctor disclosed he had approached many local vets who were still clueless as to how exactly the camels came in contact with this disease. “I approached many veterinary practitioners in these areas, known as camel habitats, who are yet to ascertain the exact causes of this infection. That is why they cannot suggest the medicines immediately to save the animal,” he said.
Dr Pershotam is familiar with this animal and had organised a two-day international symposium quite recently at the Sindh Agriculture University, which attracted experts from Germany, US, and UAE, along with local scientists.
The persistent dry weather and droughts have further contributed to diminish shrubs and plants, which are valuable assets for not only humans, but also animals. In the arid areas, both humans and animals depend on this scrubby vegetation for sustenance.
Kharai camel breed in the coastal areas of Sindh - Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and some parts of Badin, is also under threat due to the viral infection this summer.
Camels are heat tolerant because of their ability to minimise water loss. They can survive up to 14 days without water and can tolerate water losses of up to 30 percent. A camel may drink more than a third of its body weight as it rehydrates. The community reveals that due to the declining water resources, camels are forced to drink stagnant and polluted water from open ponds and sea lakes.
The other reason is deficiency of plant nutrients in the habitats of the camel. These herders believe that besides contaminated water, the shrinking plants and shrubs are also making the animals weaker, which is leading them to death. They cite the disappearing jaar (mustard tree - Salvadora persica), which produce fruits and vegetables and provides fodder for animals, especially camels, as a particular case.
The camel is fond of this shrub’s leaves and fruits, which have rich nutrients. But the greedy have cut this tree down for making traditional toothbrush or miswak as it is referred to locally. It is even being exported, the locals lament.
Earlier, some local people used to collect the fruit of the jaar and sell it in the nearby towns, but in the past few years they started receiving orders for miswak on a mass level, which resulted in illegal logging.
Environmentalist fear this has also reduced the already thin forest cover and left the area more vulnerable to sea storms, cyclones, tsunamis, etc. The already dry zones cannot withstand this onslaught of illegal logging.
It is a warning call for environmentalists and researchers, as well as policy makers.
Local people fear the fate of smaller animals. If the camel cannot survive in this harsh situation, the smaller animals have bleaker chances of survival, they say.
They want the government to take an action and help mitigate the situation before it goes completely out of hand. A camel is productive and significant, but it is mostly ignored in terms of further initiatives for its conservation and growth.
Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Vice Chancellor Dr Mujeebuddin Memon Sehrai said the university is sending teams of experts to the affected areas for rescue, treatment, consultation, prevention, awareness and meetings about the diseases with camel herders.
However, the provincial Sindh government is yet to realise the situation to save this useful animal. The herders in the coastal areas of Sindh believe this viral infection killed several precious animals in 2016 as well, but the government as always could not take any steps to identify the causes of the deaths.
Researchers and farmers suggest establishing permanent accessible Camel Centres near the natural habitats to ensure availability of veterinary doctors. This will help the herders find treatment for their animals faster and also assist the experts in identifying the causes and symptoms for better diagnosis and treatment.
People of the desert areas around the world believe that the camel is the ship of the deserts. Wherever road is inaccessible, the people use camels for transport and travel hundreds of miles to reach their destinations. It is time now to save this ship of the desert from sinking.
The writer is a staff member
