Srinagar, Oct 14: In view of lumpy skin disease among cattle in Kashmir, the Agro field unit Srinagar, agro unit SKUAST-K and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory on lumpy skin disease and appealed people to remain cautious.
As per the advisory, the lumpy skin disease of cattle is a highly contagious infectious viral disease which affects all breeds of cattle and water buffalo.
“It isn’t zoonotic. Morbidity is up to 50% and mortality usually less than 5 percent but can be higher due to secondary infections as noted in recent outbreaks of Rajasthan,” it said.
The advisory said that as of 21 August 2022, 1.85 lakh cattle are affected and 7300 have died due to LSD in 8 states and UTs of India. In Jammu and Kashmir more than 6,385 animals are affected with more than 50 reported deaths.
“The disease is characterized by high fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs, depression, anorexia/off feed, emaciation, drop in milk yield, enlarged lymph nodes, oedema of the skin, salivation, ocular and nasal discharge due to rhinitis, conjunctivitis,” it said.
Lumpy skin disease is a highly contagious disease transmitted by infected animals through infected vector bites-mosquito, flies, ticks, contact with infected material, saliva, blood, ocular/nasal discharge, semen etc.
“The disease can be contained by restricting the movement of healthy animals, quarantining diseased animals, vector control-mosquitoes, ticks, flies by ectparacidal drugs and disinfection of premises by bleach, phenol, iodine,” the advisory said.
The diseased animal is to be symptomatically treated by giving analgesic for controlling temperature, antibiotics to check secondary infection, antihistamines, anorectic medicine, antioxidants plus vitamin A and E.
It said that pasture grazing should be timed during cool hours of the day i.e. early morning and late evening. During hot hours of the day, animals should be housed in sufficiently capacious ventilated sheds or in open shaded places with availability of clean, cold water.
“Dairy cattle should be fed high quality forage and feed added with minerals especially sodium, potassium and magnesium along with supplementary fat. Frequency of feeding should be increased with total calibrated feed provided in proportionately decreased quantities to ensure adequate intake with least spoilage,” it said.
As per the advisory, animals showing heat stress symptoms like increased respiratory rate, anorexia, and restlessness should be managed by providing a cold congenial atmosphere through shade, proper air flow and sprinkling of cold water on the skin of the animal.
“Should you feel the need for the services of a veterinarian, kindly contact a local vet or feel free to take advice from any clinical scientist empanelled on the Telemedicine portal available on SKUAST–K website,” it said.
Regarding sheep and goat, it advised that proper precautions for safety of livestock should be taken during movement of livestock which should include protection from wild animals, providing shelter to weak/sick and young stock during erratic weather conditions, particularly during heavy rains and lightning.
“Dipping of the animals should be carried out on sunny days by various methods depending upon flock size (tub dipping, spraying, tank dipping etc.). All care should be taken during the dipping operation to avoid losses. Proper sanitation in and around paddocks/sheds be taken care of. The night-stay premises of the animals should be kept clean and dry to avoid foot rot and gastrointestinal nematodiasis. Avoid mixing of flocks to prevent spread of diseases,” it said.
“Care should be taken regarding the goats and they should be taken to pastures/ common property resources having sufficient browsing material. Proper anthelmintic dosing should be carried out as per need of the area,” the advisory added.
