Farmers say vampire bats attacking animals

LIVESTOCK FARMERS in Oropouche are appealing to Agriculture Minister Jarrette Narine for help because they claim hordes of vampire bats are attacking their livestock. Rolly Ramdhanie, 49, of St John’s Trace, Oropouche, said the bats are attacking his herd of goat, sheep and cattle. “Rearing animals is our only livelihood. When the bats come and suck the blood of our animals, they die and cause us to lose earnings in dairy and meat production,” Ramdhanie said. “We need to have the animals alive and healthy, so that we can be able to sell the produce and survive on the income.” Ramdhanie said farmers in the district had made numerous phone calls to the relevant authorities but to date there has been no positive response. “Since last year, we the farmers calling the Ministry of Agriculture and they only promising to come and deal with the situation. But no one has come as yet,” he claimed.

“How long do we and the animals have to suffer? We need urgent help in getting rid of these bats who are affecting our livelihood.” The Ministry’s acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr David Kangaloo, said there were no recent reports of bat attacks recorded by the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health (APH) section which supervises four Anti-Rabies Unit offices in North-East, North-West, South-East and South-Western Trinidad. “This is the first time I am hearing about this and I can assure you that the necessary investigations into the Oropouche farmers’ complaints will be carried out and if there is indeed a bat problem, we will deal with it,” he said. Dr Kangaloo said there was an ongoing rabies vaccination programme carried out by the Ministry.