Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 14 June 2022
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection that affects cattle. The disease has a very low mortality rate but can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses. Recently Lumpy Skin Disease was found prevalent in parts of Great Nicobar Island. Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services had recently issued an advisory for the livestock owners.
A meeting was further held at Laxmi Nagar Panchayat on 13 June 2022, under the chairmanship of Mr. Prahlad Singh, Pradhan, Laxmi Nagar Panchayat. It was decided that the Panchayat will organise multiple awareness programmes on Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle, in various villages for the benefit of the farmers.
On 14th June 2022 awareness programme will be held at Joginder Nagar Village, on 15th June at Laxmi Nagar Village and on 16th June at Gandhi Nagar Village. The awareness programmes will be held with support from the local officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
The advisory issued earlier by the Department of AH&VS advised farmers to separate the affected animals from the healthy animals. Further, it was advised to restrict the movement of in-contact animals to prevent the spread of the disease and not to allow the gazing of animals in a commonplace.
The signs/symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease includes mild fever for 2-3 days followed by the development of stiff, round cutaneous nodules (2-5 cm in diameter) on the skin, all over the body. These nodules are circumscribed, firm, round, raised and involves the skin, sub-cutaneous tissue and sometimes muscles. Symptoms may include lesions in the mouth, pharynx and respiratory tract; emaciation; enlarged lymph nodes; oedema of limbs and reduction in milk production.
The farmers have been advised to contact the Senior Veterinary Officer in case they notice any signs/symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease in their cattle.