Destructive Dzud May Claim 20 Million Mongolian Livestock

(Photos courtesy of WSPA)

Earthquakes, volcanoes and tornadoes have dominated environmental disaster headlines recently, but severe weather in Mongolia known as a dzud is wreaking havoc on the Asian nation’s livestock.

This winter, a quarter of a million animals and livestock died each week. Temperatures held at minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit for over a month leaving 3.4 million animals dead so far this season and the Gobi Desert region 150 miles from Mongolia’s capital city and its herders crippled.

Cold weather happens every year in Mongolia, but this year’s animal mortality rate was extreme due to a sequence of prior events. Summer droughts left hay stockpiles insufficient to last animals through the harsh winter and abnormally high snow fall left remaining pastures inaccessible to the animals leaving them vulnerable to extreme cold which, compounded by animal malnutrition, can easily lead to hypothermia.

In 2001, 11 million animals fell victim to cold during the last dzud but scientists estimate this dzud to be worse, possibly lasting through June and claiming over 20 million animals.

The dzud has human implications as well, however. Nine human deaths have already been reported, but it’s the massive loss in livestock that will affect many more. Livestock owners may become unemployed after losing their animals and over 20,000 herders in January were facing starvation; a number that has since risen significantly.

"I have been a herder since 1960 and have never seen a winter as cold as this one," Mr. A. Lkhagvasurn told National Geographic. "My two neighbours have already lost all their animals and if I lose all mine, I do not know what I will do."

The Mongolian government has sent $230,000 for disaster relief to 12 provinces after declaring a state of disaster. The relief has come in the form of  livestock feed, veterinary and medical services, and food and clothing. Chinese, Russian and Turkish governments have also sent relief funds. Still, conditions are dire and animals and humans alike will continue to be at risk until weather improves and pastures regain edible vegetation.

"I saw family after family in tears at the plight of their animals and the very uncertain future ahead of them,” Damien Woodberry, a veterinarian from The World Society for the Protection of Animals said.” Many herders have lost 50-60 percent of their herds, while some have lost their entire herd and, with it, their livelihood. A humanitarian disaster is waiting."