Lumpy disease hits livestock, business across Karnataka

BENGALURU: Close on the heels of Covid-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on humans, the livestock population across Karnataka is reeling under rising cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). The breakout has caused consternation in dairy and meat businesses as well as zoos.
Beefing up surveillance and pursuing aggressive vaccination of cattleheads in all districts, the government is watching with its fingers crossed even as the infection is gaining ground in several taluks.

The viral infection, primarily spread through flies, mosquitoes, ticks and close contact with infected livestock, has already affected 38,726 cattle heads, according to data of the department of animal husbandry. The infection touched severe proportions since August this year. While ten states in the country have been affected, the Centre is yet to declare it as an epidemic.
The Karnataka Milk Federation and forest department are on high alert to break the infection chain while safeguarding both domesticated and as well as wild bovine population. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai's home turf Haveri is the worst-hit district with 640 cattle heads dying since August 2022 followed by Ballari (501), Belagavi (196) and Gadag (171). Tough Kolar witnessed considerable infections, the mortality rate is under control with only 67 of 3,318 infected cattle heads dying.
Prabhu Chavan, minister for animal husbandry, said the situation is under control. "We've been reviewing the situation daily and are in touch with district officials. All veterinarians are working with farmers and dairy owners, diagnosing and administering treatment to livestock. As it is not zoonotic, there is no need for panic. In cases where farmers lose livestock, they are given compensation."
Sources said the infection is largely seen among the Holstein-Friesian and Jersey breeds. "Studies are on to understand their vulnerability. Several local breeds demonstrated resistance. However, we're pursuing vaccination of all livestock. Compared to other states, morbidity in Karnataka is low," an official said.
An effective preventive method is the Goatpox vaccine. "The vaccine is 100 % effective against LSD. The Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals has provided 5 lakh dosages. We have purchased 5.4 lakh doses from private companies for distribution among farmers," another department official said.