Lumpy skin disease found in 130 villages in Dharwad dist

Dharwad: Lumpy skin disease, which is affecting cattle in the state, has been detected in 130 villages in Dharwad district. Over 1,500 animals are affected.
The deputy director of the animal husbandry department, Dr Umesh Kondi, said on Tuesday that LSD had spread to five taluks in Dharwad district. Already, 33 animals had died from the infection. Compensation according to government guidelines has been given to the cattle owners, he said.
A survey by the department had shown that 1,587 cattle are affected and are being treated.
“After the disease was identified in cattle, the department started a vaccination drive. So far, 86,968 cattle have been vaccinated. There is a buffer stock of 13,000 vasccine vials which is being supplied to various veterinary hospitals,” Dr Umesh said.
The department has asked for 50,000 more vaccine doses from the Centre.
The lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral infection that affects cattle and causes fever, nodules on the skin and can lead to death.
The disease spread through mosquitoes, flies, lice and wasps that come into direct contact with the cattle. It can also spread through contaminated food and water.
Milk production reduces in the cattle suffering the dsisease.
Cattle owners have to isolate the infected cattle and provide the animals with green fodder and clean drinking water. The cattle shed should be cleaned regularly, Dr Umesh said.
LSD does not spread to humans, he said. “It is safe to consume milk from infected cattle,” he said.