Threat of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle; Instructions to Remain Vigilant if Symptoms Appear

Lumpy Skin Disease could become a major problem for livestock farmers. According to a report by ABP Live, this is a virus-borne disease that can spread from one animal to another. This disease primarily affects cows and buffaloes and is spread by the Capripox virus.

Mosquitoes, flies, ants, and other blood-sucking insects are responsible for the spread of this disease. Additionally, if an animal is infected and another animal comes into direct contact with it or uses its utensils, there remains a risk of the illness spreading. When symptoms of this disease appear, the animal develops a high fever and nodules begin to emerge at various places on its body.

The onset of the disease usually begins with an acute fever. Subsequently, small and large hard nodules are observed on the animal's body, neck, head, and legs. The size of these nodules can be approximately 2 to 5 centimetres. As the illness progresses, the animal becomes lethargic and its intake of food, water, and fodder decreases.

Regarding other symptoms, some animals may experience discharge from the eyes and nose. Swelling may occur in the animal's legs, causing difficulty in walking. Often, salivation from the animal's mouth may also occur. If the illness worsens, sores may form around the nodules on the body. Due to this disease, milk production decreases, and in some cases, the reproductive capacity of the animal may also be affected.

Timely vaccination is most important to prevent Lumpy Disease. Livestock farmers should have healthy animals vaccinated according to the advice of a veterinarian and the prescribed schedule. Care should be taken to ensure that mosquitoes and flies do not breed in the animal shelter, and it should be ensured that water does not accumulate around the area. Regular cleaning of the animal shelter, floors, and utensils is necessary.

If a new animal is purchased from outside, it should be kept separate from other animals for some time. If the disease is spreading in the area, moving animals from one place to another should be avoided. Livestock farmers should continuously monitor changes in the animal's food and water intake, milk yield, and symptoms such as nodules or swelling on the body.

At the government level, vaccination and surveillance campaigns are also being conducted to stop this disease. In affected areas, steps such as vaccinating animals, isolating sick animals, and controlling insects are being taken. Livestock farmers have also been instructed that if any symptom is observed in an animal, they should immediately inform the veterinary department instead of hiding it.

Due to the spread of this disease, there is a serious impact on the health of animals and milk production; therefore, exercising caution is inevitable.