Goats Drop Dead in 46°C Adilabad Heat

Adilabad: High temperatures coupled with heat waves are taking a toll not only on humans but also on domestic animals and cattle in the erstwhile Adilabad district. Reports said goats and sheep have fallen sick and some died after returning from grazing or drinking water. Temperatures touched 46°C in several parts of the district.

With water bodies dried up in interior villages and shade from trees disappearing, livestock have been unable to quench their thirst. Four goats died in Jamada village, Narnoor mandal, on Monday after returning from grazing. Their owner, who had hoped to profit from selling them, suffered a loss of ₹60,000. A veterinary doctor reportedly said the deaths were caused by high temperatures and sudden intake of water after long hours in the heat.

Farmer Kudimetha Ramkishan of Gunjala village also lost a goat two days ago. Nearly 10 goats died in Soankasa village, Bela mandal, while similar incidents were reported in Boath constituency over the past four days.

Members of the shepherd community in Gangapur, Utnoor mandal, said they were taking extra care by erecting tarpaulin sheds and releasing animals into harvested fields for grazing. In Boyawada, Utnoor town, shepherds are also adopting protective measures.

Elsewhere, owners have resorted to placing soaked gunny bags on cows and bullocks to keep them cool, as cowsheds have failed to shield them from the extreme heat.