With reference to the report regarding the last Maltese cow, by Natalino Fenech (March 20), I would like to comment further. She had to be put down not simply because of old age but because she had collapsed on March 5. Despite the best efforts of the veterinary surgeon and staff at the Ghammieri government farm who did manage to bring her back on her feet for three days, she collapsed again on Monday 13th and by Thursday 16th was suffering, and regrettably, in the vets' opinion had to be put down. It was quite clear that by now she was seriously ill.
On another point, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research Foundation has been part sponsoring the project for many years and it had originally acquired a grant to buy a bull in 2001 (Wenzu) then bought a bull and the old cow in September (Neriku and Bettina). The Department of Agriculture has provided support throughout, not only for the project as a whole but also in housing and looking after the arrivals that were purchased. This for the enjoyment of all visitors to Ghammieri.
Among others, one should mention Karm Abela, the current head of secretariat within the Parliamentary Secretary Francis Agius's secretariat, and Noel Azzopardi, head at the Ghammieri farm. Apart from these one should also mention Godfrey Camilleri, former head at the Ghammieri farm who also worked tirelessly on the project and Vince Parnis from the Milk Producer's Cooperative who also gave invaluable help in the initial stages.
This project has been ongoing for several years now and currently there is an EU subsidy to the farmers who look after the younger animals. We are grateful to the Saliba family, headed by Paul Saliba of Zejtun who kept the herd going.
This does not mean that this is not a tragedy. Remedial action should have been taken many years ago so as to prevent our own particular breed of cattle, once synonymous with the Maltese countryside, from facing extinction. Active management of this herd and direct aggressive intervention is necessary.
When there is an emergency, nothing beats us Maltese. The number of people who rallied around to help when the last cow was ill was impressive. I am truly grateful to all of them, including Mario Tabone from Heritage Malta, Marie-Therese Camilleri Podesta from the Department of Anatomy at the University and Alex Felice from the Department of Physiology also at the University.
Many of the individuals mentioned have been campaigning for many years to save this unique species. This not only for cultural and historical reasons but also for sound scientific and medical ones. The original cattle are now no more. We have a herd rescued that looks like the original one and is of value and can be enjoyed by the Maltese, and likewise should be looked after very carefully. Adequate facilities should be provided. Since the herd is in Marsascala this could be one project that will be seen as a very positive one for the local community. The construction of a farm aimed at agro tourism under the care of the current owners of the herd and the direct supervision of the Department of Agriculture would be an ideal solution.
The other species that needs urgent attention is the Maltese goat. A small herd still exists at the government farm. Much more needs to be invested in the project. The public have to be made aware of the health benefits of goat's milk, if necessary by a suitable health campaign. The old prejudice against goats has to be put to rest since modern farming methods ensure healthy herds and high quality milk. This needs a clear commitment and a realisation that this is not some eccentricity but has serious implications on how truly progressive we are as a nation and how we value our national assets.
It is difficult in a short article to describe all the attributes and reasons why unique native species dating back millennia should be carefully preserved, but suffice it to say that even after all these years this unique genetic heritage is only now being unlocked and their true value being realised.
It has to be the government's responsibility at the end of the day to take this aspect of our heritage very seriously and aggressively pour in even more resources and facilities to provide a long-term solution. A number of dedicated individuals exist and the resources necessary are not great.