A severe shortage of veterinary doctors is crippling livestock care in Kushalnagar taluk, where dairy farming sustains hundreds of rural families.
Leaders of 15 dairy support associations revealed that despite significant investments in hybrid cattle breeds, farmers are forced to depend on veterinarians from neighbouring districts. Out of 10 veterinary hospitals across villages like Hudugur, Hebbale, Thorenur, and Suntikoppa, only one has a permanent doctor, assisted by two part-time vets.
This chronic understaffing has persisted for over a decade, leaving farmers in Kudige, Hulase, Hoskote, and other villages struggling to treat cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. Even though cooperative societies under the Hassan Milk Union facilitate milk payments and subsidies, timely veterinary care remains elusive.
Farmers say existing staff are stretched thin, with one veterinarian covering four hospitals and animal inspectors stepping in occasionally. Despite vaccination drives against foot-and-mouth disease, new illnesses have emerged, causing livestock deaths and financial stress.
Repeated pleas to the district administration, local MLA, and district minister have gone unanswered. “Officials keep saying they’re waiting for instructions from the animal husbandry minister,” lamented farmer Nagaraja Shetty.
Dairy farmers urge authorities to fill vacant veterinary posts immediately to protect livestock health and preserve their livelihoods in this dairy-dependent region.