10,000 animals infected with Lumpy Skin Disease in Jhapa

Jhapa, July 10: More than 10,000 cattle have been infected with Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) within a year in the district. In recent months, 142 infected cattle have died. According to Shital Bhattarai, chief of Veterinary Hospital and Animal Service Technical Centre, Jhapa, vaccination campaigns are ongoing in all 15 local levels in the district to control the disease.     

So far, 58,000 cattle have been vaccinated in the district for disease control. She also shared that the highest cases are seen in Mechinagar Municipality and Bahradashi Rural Municipality. Chief Bhattarai mentioned that the infection of Lumpy Skin Disease is spreading with the rise in temperature. "The disease spreads due to the bites of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and other insects," she added, "We are conducting a free vaccination campaign reaching every farmer's shed for disease control."     

According to Bhattarai, 77,500 doses of vaccine have arrived in the district from the Department of Livestock and Fishery Development. In cattle affected by this disease, symptoms include fever, lumps appearing in various parts of the body and internal layers, water flowing in the lumps, and abscesses forming.     

The Centre chief Bhattarai shared that this problem has not been observed in cattle that have been vaccinated in the past. No disease has been observed in cattle that have been already vaccinated; the risk is only significantly apparent in newly born calves and imported cattle.” She also noted that in the current fiscal year 2081/82, they conducted observations at 72 farms in the district to address infertility issues in cattle by organizing integrated camps.     

Similarly, during the period, 13 claims for damages to livestock due to natural disasters have been received. Based on those claims, the office has been providing relief amounts ranging from 6,000 to 78,000 rupees.(RSS)