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Extensive floods in central China have devastated farmers’ lives and their lost livestock are now a potential pathogenic threat. The combination of flooded carcasses and temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit creates a risk of aerial infections.
The flood struck cities, towns and villages in Henan Province on July 20, and shortly thereafter, photographs of pig bodies began to appear on Chinese social media.
On July 29, a village official named Nanweiwu issued a letter requesting disinfectants, protective equipment and a team of experts to help dispose of dead livestock and clean up farmland.
They said that more than 90 percent of dead livestock are still floating in the water.
Officials said more than 6,000 pigs were drowned in the flood, but one local, Oishi (a pseudonym), estimated that at least 10,000 pigs had died, he told the Epoch Times.
“The pig swims for a while and begins to die three days later,” the king said on July 31st. “Today is the 10th day.”
He said the water rose daily for over a week and peaked at a depth of about 6.5 feet.
As a result, Wang said many farmers were “thinking about ending their lives” because they couldn’t afford millions of loans to raise livestock.
Local farmers usually keep their pigs in large huts that keep 700-800 animals. One hut is usually worth more than $ 300,000. According to the king, farmers always own at least two huts. He estimates that livestock and crop losses combined will exceed $ 15 million.
Local Nanweiwu authorities have not stated whether to provide financial support to flood victims. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the floods have killed about 250,000 pigs nationwide and affected 15,000 farmers.
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