The Hindu : Front Page : To keep camels’ illness at bay

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Sunday, Oct 05, 2008
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To keep camels’ illness at bay

S. Sandeep Kumar

There are 168 camels in the city, but hospitals are ill-equipped to treat them

— Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Animal activist Amala Akkineni with camels.

HYDERABAD: Being adaptable to hot conditions, the city provides them ideal conditions to live. A survey conducted by Blue Cross Hyderabad reveals there are 168 camels in the city. Unfortunately, the veterinary hospitals in twin cities are not equipped to deal with camels. As a result, they suffer from skin infections, lameness and other diseases, said Blue Cross Hyderabad secretary Amala Akkineni.

“We are forced to depend on the traditional treatment based on herbs and roots. But it does not always address prolonged illnesses,” says M. Yellappa, an owner of six camels.

The Blue Cross, on the occasion of World Animals Day, conducted a health camp for camels near Gudimalkapur vegetable market on Saturday. Over 30 camels were treated for different ailments. The idea was to create awareness among owners, said Ms. Amala.

The camels are in huge demand during festive season. This has prompted migrant families from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and other States to bring more camels into the city. Busy in the process of making money, most owners ignore the health of the desert-ships.

A camel’s nose is fixed with a wooden peg, used as a tool to control them. But this eventually leaves them severely injured. “The owners were provided fibre nose pegs brought from Jaipur,” said Blue Cross member Chetan Yadav.

A free mobile health camp is being conducted every week for animals, which work for their owners. For registration, contact: Blue Cross Hyderabad on 23544355/32989858.

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