Amidst reports of outbreak of goat pox in Kerala, experts have demanded restriction on goat trade from other affected States.
The outbreak was reported recently among goats in coastal areas of Thrissur district, especially the Punnayoor grama panchayat and Chavakkad municipal areas. Goats of different age groups are affected.
According to Animal Husbandry Department sources, the disease was transmitted from goats brought from Rajasthan. The practice of entrepreneurs bringing goats from other States, where goat pox is endemic, will affect the population of the animal in Kerala too. Goat pox is rarely reported in the State. Currently the disease outbreak is under control, they added.
“The disease was severe during summer. Medicines were given and vaccination was conducted in the area. It is under control now,” said N.K. Akbar, Chavakkad municipal chairman. He said it was for the first time that goat pox was reported in Chavakkad.
High morbidity
Mortality is less but morbidity is high. Mortality rate is high among kids below three months of age, according to veterinary experts.
The District Veterinary Centre of the Animal Husbandry Department, Thrissur, had sent samples like vesicles and serum for confirmation to the SRDDL (Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), Bengaluru.
The SRDDL confirmed the disease and suggested appropriate measures for controlling it. It includes vaccination of unaffected animals, segregation of affected animals and disinfection of goat sheds with lime or bleaching powder.
Seminars planned
The Directorate of Entrepreneurship of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University is organising awareness seminars with the support of the Animal Husbandry Department in the affected areas.
“Healthy animals should be vaccinated against goat pox. Trading of animals from affected areas need to be discouraged. Antibiotics can be given to control secondary bacterial infection. All goat farmers need to take measures to control this epidemic which will affect the productivity and make goat rearing unsustainable,” said T. P. Sethumadhavan, Director of Entrepreneurship of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.