DROUGHT CRISIS. Increase in cattle deaths

A GOVERNMENT assistance plan for cattle farmers whose herds are affected by drought will arrive too late for hundreds of the animals dying of hunger and thirst,

The recent deaths of 128 cattle in Macaracas, Los Santoswere reported Sunday, May 12 to  the Ministry of Agricultural Development. 

Farmers said that more than 200 cows in total have died due to the drought conditions in the region, but so far only 128 have been reported. Ministry official Jorge Castro said there are farmers with large herds that have not yet reported their losses.

He said that the average weight of each cow has dropped substantially due to the drought, It is expected that it will take four months or more for the cattle to regain the weight they have lost. The delivery of fodder under a $3 million rescue plan is due to commence Monday, May 13.
Farmers have reported that 10,000 cattle are at risk.