The Minister of Agriculture has ordered the Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development to urgently deliver “Royally bestowed animal feed grass” to help elephants at the Elephant Care Center in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, who have been affected by flooding and had to evacuate their animals to escape the water. The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development stated that the animals were delivered to a temporary animal shelter yesterday. They are continuing to transport both fresh and dry grass. They are preparing to organize a team of veterinarians to support the health care and treatment of the many animals at the Elephant Care Center.
Veterinarian Somchuan Rattanamangalanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, said that the Department has urgently transported “Royal Animal Feed” to help over 100 elephants of the Elephant Care Center in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, who were affected by floods, following the order of Prof. Dr.
Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives. This elephant care center has over 100 elephants and many other animals such as buffaloes, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, etc.
After the flash flood and high water levels, the Lampang Animal Feed Research and Development Center, together with the Chiang Rai Provincial Livestock Office and the Mae Taeng District Livestock Office, were ordered to deliver 2,000 kilograms or 2 tons of royal animal feed to provide initial relief to elephants.
In this regard, the Food Development Office has been instructed to deliver additional grass. Today (October 5, 2024), the Chiang Mai Animal Breeding Center has delivered another 5,000 kilograms or 5 tons. Then, on October 6, 2024, the Animal Feed Centers in Lampang, Chainat, Pak Chong, Phetchabun, and Phichit will provide further support by preparing to cut fresh grass and prepare to grow 37,000 kilograms or 37 tons of dry grass.
According to the initial action plan, 37 tons of royal animal feed will be delivered to
the Elephant Care Center on October 7. The Department of Livestock Development will continue to provide support until the situation improves and until it is certain that the Elephant Care Center will not face animal feed shortages.
The royal animal feed grass that was delivered is Napier grass, which can be fed to elephants, cows, buffalo, goats, and sheep. As for pets, they include dogs and cats, which are in large numbers. Initially, animal feed was delivered and further support will be provided.
The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development added that a team of veterinarians is currently being organized to help treat sick animals and take care of their health. The Meteorological Department predicts that temperatures in the North will start to drop. Animals stressed from flooding may become stressed when the weather changes, making them more susceptible to illness.
Source: Thai News Agency