In Dakshina Kannada, short-staffed veterinary department struggles to keep lumpy skin disease under control

MANGALURU: The animal husbandry and veterinary services department here is struggling to manage the increasing number of lumpy skin disease cases among cattle in Dakshina Kannada district, as it is short-staffed.
While the district reported 1,699 cases of lumpy skin disease and 32 deaths as of Thursday, treatment is being given to 1,206 cattle. The department has only 28 veterinary doctors working in the district and the posts of 25 veterinarians remain vacant. The district has 107 veterinary hospitals with a sanctioned workforce of 448. However, only 94 employees are working, and 354 positions remain vacant.
The department noticed lumpy skin disease in the district when three cattle in a house at Boliyoor village of Bantwal taluk were infected in the second week of October. Capripoxvirus transmits the disease from infected cattle to healthy ones.
Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, told TOI that the department has been managing the disease control program, along with other routine works. This is being done with a meager workforce.
“We have already completed vaccination against the disease for 1,33,891 (53%) out of 2,52,401 cattle in the district. The vaccination drive is being continued to cover the remaining cattle. An average of 6,000 – 7,000 doses of vaccine for lumpy skin disease are being given per day. The department also has sought support from the Karnataka Milk Federation,” he said, adding that vaccination against lumpy skin disease will be completed soon.
“Since the disease spreads fast, the district administration has already banned the transportation of cattle completely. Compared to Belagavi and other districts of the state, the number of lumpy skin disease infections and deaths in Dakshina Kannada is very less,” he said.
Compensation to farmers for the death of seven cows has already been given at the rate of Rs 20,000 each. While compensation for the death of 15 more cows is ready for distribution, the remaining will also be handed over soon, he added.