Assam: 40,000 cows affected as lumpy skin disease resurfaces

GUWAHATI: Lumpy skin disease has resurfaced in Assam, affecting an estimated 40,000 cows in at least seven districts of the state, state veterinary department officials, said on Wednesday.
Similar cases of the vector-borne disease were reported in Karimganj and Hailakandi districts in south Assam in 2020 but since then there had been no major reports of any spread. On March 3, reports of the disease resurfacing was recorded by the department at a village in Nagaon's Dhing. Since then, official records said nearly 140 cows have died of the disease. A total of 81 cow deaths have been reported in Nagaon alone.
"Oedema in limbs, dewlap and brisket region along with high fever is the most common symptom. Moreover, cutaneous nodules develop within 48 hours of onset of fever. Economic loss is the most serious implication as milk production in the affected cattle reduces even after recovery from the disease," said Barnalee Saikia, nodal officer appointed to oversee lumpy skin disease.
After two years, a large number of cases have been reported in Assam, mostly affecting Morigaon, Nagaon and Barpeta districts. Sources said the disease is suspected to have spread due to movement of animals from one market to the other. "The vector (insects, houseflies and mosquitoes) carry the disease. Even one sick animal can affect the herd," she said, attributing the spread to hot and humid weather conditions during the rainy season.
Director of animal husbandry and veterinary, Indira Kalita, said, "We have started vaccination to save cattle from lumpy skin disease. It is still under control and no big numbers of deaths of cattle have been reported."
Since it may take some time to show the symptoms after infection, officials said the owners of the cattle remain clueless about the infection initially.