Voldsom regn har skabt problemer for op mod 40.000 småbønder, som lever af at opdrætte alpaca i bjergene i Peru.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is rushing veterinary care to the rural population in the Peruvian Andes, where the Government has declared a state of emergency after two weeks of heavy rains.
Livestock farmers in the central and southern regions of Apurimac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Puno and Cusco are in a serious crisis, according to FAO.
Among its projects in the areas, FAO is providing emergency veterinary kits for the treatment and prevention of bronchial pneumonia in baby alpacas in the communities of Arequipa, Puno and Cusco.
These areas, home to alpaqueros – smallholders whose livelihoods depend completely on raising alpacas – are most vulnerable to damage from heavy rains and snowfall in areas over 4,000 metres above sea level.
Alpacas (en fætter til lamaen) provide both meat and wool for the farmers in the region, and their survival is linked to keeping their herds alive.
