News Analysis India

Tag: Lumpy skin disease

  • Current outbreak of lumpy skin disease distinct from 2019, need large-scale genomic surveillance: Study

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The current outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus, which has spread to almost 15 states and has affected 18.5 lakh bovine animals in the country, is distinct from the virus that was prevalent in India in 2019, said the latest study, adding that 47 unique variants were found in the current version of the fatal viral disease that has killed over 80,000 cattle. 

    The study, conducted by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) and the State Disease Diagnostic Centre, Jaipur, has said that as genome sequencing has found that the current outbreak in India has a distinct lineage of the virus and to “characterise circulating strains,” “it is essential for early detection of the disease as well as for formulating interventions for disease control.”

    Although previously confined to regions within Africa, the fatal viral disease has caused significantly large outbreaks in many areas of the world in recent years. In 2019, an episode of the disease was reported from India with low rates of morbidity and no reported mortality. 

    However, the ongoing outbreak of LSDV has spread to various states and has resulted in the mortality of over 80,000 cattle, including cows, over a short period of three months.

    According to Sridhar Sivasubbu, senior principal scientist, CSIR-IGIB and one of the scientists associated with the genome sequencing study, “We have found that the samples sequenced by IGIB have distinct differences when compared with the genomes globally available or those that were sequenced in 2019.” 

    “There are 47 unique variants in this current version of the lumpy skin disease virus which has not been documented before,” he told this newspaper.

    The scientists analysed five animals with symptoms of the contagious viral disease and compared genomes of the virus extracted from them. 

    “Our sample size is small, but we have to start somewhere. Yes, there is a distinct difference in the virus, so attention should be paid to it more closely. We will need large-scale genomic surveillance,” he added.

    “Due to the limited number of genome sequences available for LSDV, the source of the outbreak could not be traced, further suggesting that additional genomes for the virus could help uncover potential outbreaks and connect existing outbreaks that are unrelated,” said the authors Lenin Bhatt, Rahul C. Bhoyar, Bani Jolly, Ravi Israni, Harie Vignesh, Vinod Scaria, and Sridhar Sivasubbu in the study, which appeared in the preprint server for biology Bioarxiv. It is yet to be peer-reviewed.

    “Analysis of the viral sequences suggests the genomes from the 2022 outbreak harbour many genetic variations compared to the reference genome and form a distinct lineage,” they added.

    As India is the largest producer of milk in the world, the spread of LSD across the cattle population in India thus has devastating effects on the rural economy and the livelihoods of dairy farmers, the study added.

    The outbreak has also caused concerns about milk production. With a production of about 210 million tonnes, India is the largest producer of milk in the world. The country is also seeing the fastest growth in production at 6 per cent, while production growth at the global level is just 2 per cent.

    “Although other capripoxvirus infections, including sheep pox and goat pox, are endemic in India, LSDV infections were considered to be constrained to the Sub-Saharan African region till 1981. As the virus continues to spread and evolve, genomic characterisation of LSDV is thus useful for understanding the epidemiology and evolution of the virus,” the study said. 

     FAQ

    What is a lumpy skin disease virus?

    The fatal virus mainly affects cows, buffaloes and deer. The United States Department of Agriculture defines Lumpy skin disease (LSD) as a deadly viral disease which spreads when cattles come in direct contact with vectors like mosquitoes, lice, wasps, flies and ticks or through contaminated fodder and water. The outbreaks of LSD occur during warm, wet weather, while the disease usually diminishes in the cooler winter months. It is not a zoonotic virus, so it cannot be transmitted to humans.

    How many states are impacted?

    LSDV has been reported in various states, but the worst affected are Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. The other states include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.

    What are the symptoms?

    The symptoms include the appearance of nodules on the skin, general malaise, ocular and nasal discharge, fever, and a sudden decrease in milk production. The other symptoms are swelling of peripheral lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and watery eyes, and death. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the incubation period or the time between infection and symptoms is about 28 days. As the vaccine is yet to be produced, authorities in India are distributing the goat pox vaccine.

    Is it safe to consume milk?

    According to officials, it is safe to consume milk from infected cattle as it is a non-zoonotic disease. However, milk production gets affected in the infected animal, depending on the severity of the illness and the immunity level of the animal.

    Is there a vaccine developed for lumpy skin disease?

    On August 10, India launched the indigenous vaccine Lumpi-ProVac to protect livestock from the viral disease. The vaccine has been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana), in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly). Currently, the government is providing goat pox vaccines to prevent the disease from spreading.

    NEW DELHI: The current outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus, which has spread to almost 15 states and has affected 18.5 lakh bovine animals in the country, is distinct from the virus that was prevalent in India in 2019, said the latest study, adding that 47 unique variants were found in the current version of the fatal viral disease that has killed over 80,000 cattle. 

    The study, conducted by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) and the State Disease Diagnostic Centre, Jaipur, has said that as genome sequencing has found that the current outbreak in India has a distinct lineage of the virus and to “characterise circulating strains,” “it is essential for early detection of the disease as well as for formulating interventions for disease control.”

    Although previously confined to regions within Africa, the fatal viral disease has caused significantly large outbreaks in many areas of the world in recent years. In 2019, an episode of the disease was reported from India with low rates of morbidity and no reported mortality. 

    However, the ongoing outbreak of LSDV has spread to various states and has resulted in the mortality of over 80,000 cattle, including cows, over a short period of three months.

    According to Sridhar Sivasubbu, senior principal scientist, CSIR-IGIB and one of the scientists associated with the genome sequencing study, “We have found that the samples sequenced by IGIB have distinct differences when compared with the genomes globally available or those that were sequenced in 2019.” 

    “There are 47 unique variants in this current version of the lumpy skin disease virus which has not been documented before,” he told this newspaper.

    The scientists analysed five animals with symptoms of the contagious viral disease and compared genomes of the virus extracted from them. 

    “Our sample size is small, but we have to start somewhere. Yes, there is a distinct difference in the virus, so attention should be paid to it more closely. We will need large-scale genomic surveillance,” he added.

    “Due to the limited number of genome sequences available for LSDV, the source of the outbreak could not be traced, further suggesting that additional genomes for the virus could help uncover potential outbreaks and connect existing outbreaks that are unrelated,” said the authors Lenin Bhatt, Rahul C. Bhoyar, Bani Jolly, Ravi Israni, Harie Vignesh, Vinod Scaria, and Sridhar Sivasubbu in the study, which appeared in the preprint server for biology Bioarxiv. It is yet to be peer-reviewed.

    “Analysis of the viral sequences suggests the genomes from the 2022 outbreak harbour many genetic variations compared to the reference genome and form a distinct lineage,” they added.

    As India is the largest producer of milk in the world, the spread of LSD across the cattle population in India thus has devastating effects on the rural economy and the livelihoods of dairy farmers, the study added.

    The outbreak has also caused concerns about milk production. With a production of about 210 million tonnes, India is the largest producer of milk in the world. The country is also seeing the fastest growth in production at 6 per cent, while production growth at the global level is just 2 per cent.

    “Although other capripoxvirus infections, including sheep pox and goat pox, are endemic in India, LSDV infections were considered to be constrained to the Sub-Saharan African region till 1981. As the virus continues to spread and evolve, genomic characterisation of LSDV is thus useful for understanding the epidemiology and evolution of the virus,” the study said. 

     FAQ

    What is a lumpy skin disease virus?

    The fatal virus mainly affects cows, buffaloes and deer. The United States Department of Agriculture defines Lumpy skin disease (LSD) as a deadly viral disease which spreads when cattles come in direct contact with vectors like mosquitoes, lice, wasps, flies and ticks or through contaminated fodder and water. The outbreaks of LSD occur during warm, wet weather, while the disease usually diminishes in the cooler winter months. It is not a zoonotic virus, so it cannot be transmitted to humans.

    How many states are impacted?

    LSDV has been reported in various states, but the worst affected are Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana. The other states include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa.

    What are the symptoms?

    The symptoms include the appearance of nodules on the skin, general malaise, ocular and nasal discharge, fever, and a sudden decrease in milk production. The other symptoms are swelling of peripheral lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and watery eyes, and death. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the incubation period or the time between infection and symptoms is about 28 days. As the vaccine is yet to be produced, authorities in India are distributing the goat pox vaccine.

    Is it safe to consume milk?

    According to officials, it is safe to consume milk from infected cattle as it is a non-zoonotic disease. However, milk production gets affected in the infected animal, depending on the severity of the illness and the immunity level of the animal.

    Is there a vaccine developed for lumpy skin disease?

    On August 10, India launched the indigenous vaccine Lumpi-ProVac to protect livestock from the viral disease. The vaccine has been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana), in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly). Currently, the government is providing goat pox vaccines to prevent the disease from spreading.

  • First suspected case of lumpy skin disease reported in Mumbai 

    By PTI

    MUMBAI: A suspected case of lumpy skin disease in an animal has been detected in the Mumbai suburb of Khar, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said on Thursday.

    So far, the metropolis has not reported any confirmed case of lumpy skin disease which affects cattle like cows and buffaloes.

    The official said they have sent samples of the cattle showing symptoms of the disease for lab examination and a report was awaited.

    “The report is likely to be received tonight (Thursday night),” the civic official said, but did not disclose details about the animal except that it was found in Khar in Western suburbs.

    ALSO READ | In Madhya Pradesh, 7K cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease

    Meanwhile, the BMC, in a release, said Mumbai has over 27,500 cattle, including 24,388 buffaloes.

    Of these, 2,203 cows have already been given the vaccine against the lumpy skin disease and the remaining will be inoculated by next week, the release said.

    Highlighting steps taken to prevent an outbreak of the disease, the civic body said it has already started a survey of cattle in Mumbai and undertaken measures like spraying insecticides in ‘tabelas’ and ‘gaushalas (animal shelter homes).

    ALSO READ | Safe to consume milk from Lumpy Skin Disease-infected cattle, says IVRI official

    The civic official said as a precautionary measure, the BMC has stopped the slaughter of buffaloes in the city since September 9.

    Lumpy skin is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes and flies. The disease causes fever, nodules on the skin and can also lead to death of the infected cattle. 

    MUMBAI: A suspected case of lumpy skin disease in an animal has been detected in the Mumbai suburb of Khar, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said on Thursday.

    So far, the metropolis has not reported any confirmed case of lumpy skin disease which affects cattle like cows and buffaloes.

    The official said they have sent samples of the cattle showing symptoms of the disease for lab examination and a report was awaited.

    “The report is likely to be received tonight (Thursday night),” the civic official said, but did not disclose details about the animal except that it was found in Khar in Western suburbs.

    ALSO READ | In Madhya Pradesh, 7K cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease

    Meanwhile, the BMC, in a release, said Mumbai has over 27,500 cattle, including 24,388 buffaloes.

    Of these, 2,203 cows have already been given the vaccine against the lumpy skin disease and the remaining will be inoculated by next week, the release said.

    Highlighting steps taken to prevent an outbreak of the disease, the civic body said it has already started a survey of cattle in Mumbai and undertaken measures like spraying insecticides in ‘tabelas’ and ‘gaushalas (animal shelter homes).

    ALSO READ | Safe to consume milk from Lumpy Skin Disease-infected cattle, says IVRI official

    The civic official said as a precautionary measure, the BMC has stopped the slaughter of buffaloes in the city since September 9.

    Lumpy skin is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes and flies. The disease causes fever, nodules on the skin and can also lead to death of the infected cattle. 

  • Amid lumpy skin disease spread, Maharashtra to vaccinate cattle for free

    By PTI

    PUNE: In a bid to check the spread of lumpy skin disease in cattle, the Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department has directed authorities of all districts to speed up vaccination which will be offered free, officials said.

    The disease has so far claimed the lives of 43 cattle in the state.

    “The Maharashtra government has decided to offer vaccination against lumpy skin disease virus for free with 50 lakh vials to be made available from the next week,” Sachindra Pratap Singh, the state commissioner for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department, said on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Singh said farmers will not have to pay any charges for the vaccination of cattle.

    “The state government is going to receive 50 lakh vials of the vaccine against the lumpy skin disease virus,” he said.

    ALSO READ | Over 67,000 cattle died so far from lumpy skin disease in India: Government

    A total of 5,51,120 livestock in 1,755 villages within a five-kilometre radius of the infected area have been vaccinated, the Animal Husbandry department said in a release on Monday.

    Out of the total of 2,664 infected livestock in the affected villages, 1,520 have recovered after treatment, it added.

    “The lumpy skin disease among cattle is caused by a virus. If not treated in time, it turns fatal. More than 50,000 infected cattle have died in Rajasthan of this disease. Similar cases have been reported from Punjab and Haryana as well,” said an official.

    Singh said the disease was spreading rapidly in the state and there was a need to raise public awareness on a large scale.

    “In order to keep the mortality rate down due to lumpy skin disease in Maharashtra, a batch of 10 lakh vaccine doses has been received to vaccinate cows within a radius of five km of an affected area,” the release said.

    Instructions have been given that the vaccination should be done at a faster pace and continuous efforts should be made to bring the disease under control.

    The Animal Husbandry department also said that Rs 1 crore should be made available from the District Planning Committee for each district for the procurement of vaccines and medicines useful in curbing the ailment.

    “A vaccination campaign should be conducted in collaboration with private livestock supervisors to control the disease and their services should be taken on a remuneration basis.

    ALSO READ | 42 cattle die due to Lumpy Skin Disease in Maharashtra

    Vacant posts in the animal husbandry department must be immediately filled on a contract basis,” the release said.

    The Maharashtra government has already declared the whole state a “controlled area” to curb the spread of the disease and has banned the holding of markets, races and exhibitions connected to cattle.

    Singh said his department observed that private veterinary doctors were prescribing expensive antibiotics and other supportive medicines for the disease, whereas all the necessary medicines were available at government veterinary dispensaries and mini veterinary polyclinics in tehsils.

    “All farmers should avail free treatment for their affected cattle at their doorstep by contacting government veterinary dispensaries nearby and livestock development officers,” he said.

    PUNE: In a bid to check the spread of lumpy skin disease in cattle, the Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Department has directed authorities of all districts to speed up vaccination which will be offered free, officials said.

    The disease has so far claimed the lives of 43 cattle in the state.

    “The Maharashtra government has decided to offer vaccination against lumpy skin disease virus for free with 50 lakh vials to be made available from the next week,” Sachindra Pratap Singh, the state commissioner for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department, said on Tuesday.

    Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Singh said farmers will not have to pay any charges for the vaccination of cattle.

    “The state government is going to receive 50 lakh vials of the vaccine against the lumpy skin disease virus,” he said.

    ALSO READ | Over 67,000 cattle died so far from lumpy skin disease in India: Government

    A total of 5,51,120 livestock in 1,755 villages within a five-kilometre radius of the infected area have been vaccinated, the Animal Husbandry department said in a release on Monday.

    Out of the total of 2,664 infected livestock in the affected villages, 1,520 have recovered after treatment, it added.

    “The lumpy skin disease among cattle is caused by a virus. If not treated in time, it turns fatal. More than 50,000 infected cattle have died in Rajasthan of this disease. Similar cases have been reported from Punjab and Haryana as well,” said an official.

    Singh said the disease was spreading rapidly in the state and there was a need to raise public awareness on a large scale.

    “In order to keep the mortality rate down due to lumpy skin disease in Maharashtra, a batch of 10 lakh vaccine doses has been received to vaccinate cows within a radius of five km of an affected area,” the release said.

    Instructions have been given that the vaccination should be done at a faster pace and continuous efforts should be made to bring the disease under control.

    The Animal Husbandry department also said that Rs 1 crore should be made available from the District Planning Committee for each district for the procurement of vaccines and medicines useful in curbing the ailment.

    “A vaccination campaign should be conducted in collaboration with private livestock supervisors to control the disease and their services should be taken on a remuneration basis.

    ALSO READ | 42 cattle die due to Lumpy Skin Disease in Maharashtra

    Vacant posts in the animal husbandry department must be immediately filled on a contract basis,” the release said.

    The Maharashtra government has already declared the whole state a “controlled area” to curb the spread of the disease and has banned the holding of markets, races and exhibitions connected to cattle.

    Singh said his department observed that private veterinary doctors were prescribing expensive antibiotics and other supportive medicines for the disease, whereas all the necessary medicines were available at government veterinary dispensaries and mini veterinary polyclinics in tehsils.

    “All farmers should avail free treatment for their affected cattle at their doorstep by contacting government veterinary dispensaries nearby and livestock development officers,” he said.

  • 42 cattle die due to Lumpy Skin Disease in Maharashtra

    By ANI

    MAHARASHTRA: As many as 42 cows and buffaloes have died due to the onslaught of the Lumpy Skin Disease in Maharashtra, the state’s animal husbandry department said on Monday.

    A total of 42 infected cattle have died due to Lumpy Skin Disease in different districts of Maharashtra including 17 in Jalgaon, 13 in Ahmednagar, 1 in Dhule, 1 in Akola, 3 in Pune, 3 in Buldhana, 3 in Amravati and 1 in Washim till Sunday, according to the department.

    The first case of Lumpy Skin Disease was reported on August 4 in Chinawal village of Raver taluka of Jalgaon district.

    The virus has been found only in cows and buffaloes. There is no danger to humans in using milk of animals that do not have the symptoms of the disease. Animals can be cured of the disease, however, the milk of such animals may get affected due to the virus.

    The infected cattle with Lumpy Skin Disease have been noticed in a total of 280 villages of Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, Akola, Dhule, Pune, Latur, Aurangabad, Beed, Satara, Buldana, Amravati, Osmanabad, Kolhapur, Sangli, Yeotmal, Parbhani, Solapur, Washim, Nashik and Jalna till Sunday.

    As per reports, lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever and nodules on the skin and can lead to the death of the cattle.

    A vaccine has also been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana) in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly).

    MAHARASHTRA: As many as 42 cows and buffaloes have died due to the onslaught of the Lumpy Skin Disease in Maharashtra, the state’s animal husbandry department said on Monday.

    A total of 42 infected cattle have died due to Lumpy Skin Disease in different districts of Maharashtra including 17 in Jalgaon, 13 in Ahmednagar, 1 in Dhule, 1 in Akola, 3 in Pune, 3 in Buldhana, 3 in Amravati and 1 in Washim till Sunday, according to the department.

    The first case of Lumpy Skin Disease was reported on August 4 in Chinawal village of Raver taluka of Jalgaon district.

    The virus has been found only in cows and buffaloes. There is no danger to humans in using milk of animals that do not have the symptoms of the disease. Animals can be cured of the disease, however, the milk of such animals may get affected due to the virus.

    The infected cattle with Lumpy Skin Disease have been noticed in a total of 280 villages of Jalgaon, Ahmednagar, Akola, Dhule, Pune, Latur, Aurangabad, Beed, Satara, Buldana, Amravati, Osmanabad, Kolhapur, Sangli, Yeotmal, Parbhani, Solapur, Washim, Nashik and Jalna till Sunday.

    As per reports, lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever and nodules on the skin and can lead to the death of the cattle.

    A vaccine has also been developed by the National Equine Research Center, Hisar (Haryana) in collaboration with the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izzatnagar (Bareilly).

  • Rajasthan: Former minister questions deputation of veterinary staff to Jodhpur amid lumpy skin disease outbreak

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma on Sunday cornered his party’s own government in the state over arrangements to tackle lumpy skin disease, saying veterinary staff from his constituency was sent on deputation to Jodhpur while cattle died there.

    Sharma is a Congress MLA from Ajmer’s Kekri constituency while Jodhpur is the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

    Sharma made the remarks during a video conference of the chief minister with public representatives, cattle owners and gaushala caretakers.

    Talking to state Animal Husbandry Minister Lal Chand Kataria, Sharma said this has sent a wrong message against both the CM and the government.

    “Veterinary staff has been sent to another place. People are troubled here. When there is no manpower, cows are dying. Now, you also know where the veterinary staff has been sent,” he said.

    When the minister interrupted him, he said, “You listen to me Katariaji. All have been shifted to Jodhpur. The minister assured that the staff which was sent on deputation will be joining back.”

    JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma on Sunday cornered his party’s own government in the state over arrangements to tackle lumpy skin disease, saying veterinary staff from his constituency was sent on deputation to Jodhpur while cattle died there.

    Sharma is a Congress MLA from Ajmer’s Kekri constituency while Jodhpur is the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

    Sharma made the remarks during a video conference of the chief minister with public representatives, cattle owners and gaushala caretakers.

    Talking to state Animal Husbandry Minister Lal Chand Kataria, Sharma said this has sent a wrong message against both the CM and the government.

    “Veterinary staff has been sent to another place. People are troubled here. When there is no manpower, cows are dying. Now, you also know where the veterinary staff has been sent,” he said.

    When the minister interrupted him, he said, “You listen to me Katariaji. All have been shifted to Jodhpur. The minister assured that the staff which was sent on deputation will be joining back.”

  • Lumpy skin disease in cattle spreads to over 8 states/UTs; 7,300 animals dead so far

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Over 7,300 cattle have died so far due to ‘lumpy skin disease’ in eight states including one union territory and a vaccination drive has been stepped up to contain the infection, a senior government official said.

    Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever, nodules on the skin and can also lead to death.

    LSD has recently spread in Asia following outbreaks in the Middle East and Europe. The disease emerged in Bangladesh in July 2019.

    According to the official, India too saw the first case of LSD in the same year, 2019, in eastern states especially West Bengal and Odisha. But this year, the disease has been reported in western and northern states as well as in Andaman Nicobar.

    “First, LSD was reported in Gujarat and it has spread to eight states/union territories now. Over 1.85 cattle have been affected so far and more than 7,300 cattle have died since the outbreak of the disease in July,” the official told PTI.

    About 74,325 cattle have been affected in Punjab so far, while 58,546 in Gujarat, 43,962 in Rajasthan, 6,385 in Jammu and Kashmir, 1,300 in Uttarakhand, 532 in Himachal Pradesh, 260 in Andaman & Nicobar, he said and added the data from Madhya Pradesh is awaited.

    According to the ministry’s data, 7,300 cattle have died so far, out of which 3,359 animals died in Punjab, 2,111 in Rajasthan, 1,679 in Gujarat, 62 in Jammu and Kashmir, 38 in Himachal Pradesh, 36 in Uttarakhand and 29 in Andaman Nicobar.

    There are reports of LSD infection in Haryana as well. The official mentioned that the mortality rate of LSD is 1-2 per cent and it does not infect humans.

    Currently, a vaccination drive is underway and 17.92 lakh cattle have been vaccinated so far in these states/UT, he added.

    The official said central teams have been deputed to Punjab, and Gujarat for taking first-hand stock of the outbreak of LSD and states have been asked to implement strictly the advisories and biosafety measures, restriction of movement and isolation of infected animals, monitoring of stray animals besides safe disposal of carcasses.

    The state governments have set up control rooms toll-free numbers to help address the issues of animal owners and spread awareness.

    A control room has also been established in the ministry to address the concerns of state governments, the official said. India, the world’s largest milk producer, had a cattle population of 192.5 million in 2019, as per the 19th Livestock census.

    NEW DELHI: Over 7,300 cattle have died so far due to ‘lumpy skin disease’ in eight states including one union territory and a vaccination drive has been stepped up to contain the infection, a senior government official said.

    Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever, nodules on the skin and can also lead to death.

    LSD has recently spread in Asia following outbreaks in the Middle East and Europe. The disease emerged in Bangladesh in July 2019.

    According to the official, India too saw the first case of LSD in the same year, 2019, in eastern states especially West Bengal and Odisha. But this year, the disease has been reported in western and northern states as well as in Andaman Nicobar.

    “First, LSD was reported in Gujarat and it has spread to eight states/union territories now. Over 1.85 cattle have been affected so far and more than 7,300 cattle have died since the outbreak of the disease in July,” the official told PTI.

    About 74,325 cattle have been affected in Punjab so far, while 58,546 in Gujarat, 43,962 in Rajasthan, 6,385 in Jammu and Kashmir, 1,300 in Uttarakhand, 532 in Himachal Pradesh, 260 in Andaman & Nicobar, he said and added the data from Madhya Pradesh is awaited.

    According to the ministry’s data, 7,300 cattle have died so far, out of which 3,359 animals died in Punjab, 2,111 in Rajasthan, 1,679 in Gujarat, 62 in Jammu and Kashmir, 38 in Himachal Pradesh, 36 in Uttarakhand and 29 in Andaman Nicobar.

    There are reports of LSD infection in Haryana as well. The official mentioned that the mortality rate of LSD is 1-2 per cent and it does not infect humans.

    Currently, a vaccination drive is underway and 17.92 lakh cattle have been vaccinated so far in these states/UT, he added.

    The official said central teams have been deputed to Punjab, and Gujarat for taking first-hand stock of the outbreak of LSD and states have been asked to implement strictly the advisories and biosafety measures, restriction of movement and isolation of infected animals, monitoring of stray animals besides safe disposal of carcasses.

    The state governments have set up control rooms toll-free numbers to help address the issues of animal owners and spread awareness.

    A control room has also been established in the ministry to address the concerns of state governments, the official said. India, the world’s largest milk producer, had a cattle population of 192.5 million in 2019, as per the 19th Livestock census.

  • Gujarat, MP in Lumpy Skin Disease grip; milk production takes a hit

    By Express News Service

    BHOPAL:  The success of Gujarat in heralding India’s White Revolution will become history soon if Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) also known as Lumpy virus continued spreading in livestock of Gujarat.

    Milk production in Gujarat has taken a hit of around 1,00,000 liters per day due to the outbreak of viral infection Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among the cattle.

    This account for 5 to 10 per cent of the daily milk procurement, dairy unions in Saurashtra-Kutch have reported a 15 to 20 per cent reduction in daily milk collection.

    The cooperative movement by the traditional dairy farmers in the State culminated into a model with few parallels in the world, but nowadays they all are worried about milk production.

    The lumpy virus hits their production very badly. LSD accounts for 5 to 10 percent of the daily procurement of 20 million liters.

    The dairy unions in Saurashtra and Kutch have reported more than a 20 percent reduction in daily milk collection.

    The disease has also cast its shadows in neighbouring states Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.In MP, suspected cases of the viral disease have now been reported among cattle population in Ratlam district.

    UP: 61 cows poisoned to death

    LUCKNOW: Around 61 cows have reportedly died in a cow shelter in Santhalpur village of Hasanpur development block in Amroha, the western UP district, since Thursday. As per district authorities, the cattle died after consuming fodder that was allegedly poison-laced.

    After registering an FIR against the fodder supplier, the district police have detained seven persons including the caretakers of the cow shelter for questioning.

    Moreover, the district police have set up five teams to nab the three other persons associated with the cow shelter.

    According to state’s animal husbandry data, Uttar Pradesh currently has 6,222 cow shelters housing 8.55 lakh homeless cattle. The state has set a target of providing shelter to at least 10 stray cows daily in each of the 75 districts.

    BHOPAL:  The success of Gujarat in heralding India’s White Revolution will become history soon if Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) also known as Lumpy virus continued spreading in livestock of Gujarat.

    Milk production in Gujarat has taken a hit of around 1,00,000 liters per day due to the outbreak of viral infection Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among the cattle.

    This account for 5 to 10 per cent of the daily milk procurement, dairy unions in Saurashtra-Kutch have reported a 15 to 20 per cent reduction in daily milk collection.

    The cooperative movement by the traditional dairy farmers in the State culminated into a model with few parallels in the world, but nowadays they all are worried about milk production.

    The lumpy virus hits their production very badly. LSD accounts for 5 to 10 percent of the daily procurement of 20 million liters.

    The dairy unions in Saurashtra and Kutch have reported more than a 20 percent reduction in daily milk collection.

    The disease has also cast its shadows in neighbouring states Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
    In MP, suspected cases of the viral disease have now been reported among cattle population in Ratlam district.

    UP: 61 cows poisoned to death

    LUCKNOW: Around 61 cows have reportedly died in a cow shelter in Santhalpur village of Hasanpur development block in Amroha, the western UP district, since Thursday. As per district authorities, the cattle died after consuming fodder that was allegedly poison-laced.

    After registering an FIR against the fodder supplier, the district police have detained seven persons including the caretakers of the cow shelter for questioning.

    Moreover, the district police have set up five teams to nab the three other persons associated with the cow shelter.

    According to state’s animal husbandry data, Uttar Pradesh currently has 6,222 cow shelters housing 8.55 lakh homeless cattle. The state has set a target of providing shelter to at least 10 stray cows daily in each of the 75 districts.

  • 1,021 cattle dead, 40,222 infected as lumpy skin disease spreads in Gujarat

    By Express News Service

    AHMEDABAD: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), also known as Lumpy virus, afflicting cattle has spread to 15 out of 33 districts of Gujarat and has claimed 1021 livestock in the state. According to reports, 40,222 infected cattle in 1,009 villages are under treatment.

    On Monday, Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel held a meeting with Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar. A meeting between Agriculture Minister and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be held on Tuesday.

    Agriculture Department’s Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr HN Modh told The New Indian Express: “The virus has spread in 15 districts, including all districts of Saurashtra region, Kutch, and now Banaskantha and Patan. Checking of vehicles entering Gujarat from Rajasthan and other neighboring states have been intensified to prevent infected cattle from entering the state. People living in border villages have been asked to inform the department if they see movement of cattle across the border.”

    Till Monday afternoon, the state had lost 1,021 cattle, while 40,222 are infected and undergoing treatment in 15 districts. A total of 2,93,676 cattle have been vaccinated, he added. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel says “LSD an infectious viral skin disease which is caused by a virus of capripox genus has spread to four out of five regions of Gujarat.”

    The disease has spread in the kutch Saurashtra zone, north Gujrat, and south Gujrat, only the central Gujrat region is unaffected till Monday. According to Government Officials, the disease which spreads through vectors like houseflies, mosquitos, ticks, etc. the viral infection leads to fever among cattle and buffaloes as well as other symptoms like excessive nasal and salivary secretion, firm and raised nodules on the skin around the head genitals, etc. The animal stops taking food and the production of milk among milch animals goes down. Pregnant cows and buffaloes often suffer miscarriage and in some cases, diseased animals die as nodules brust, and those parts can become infected by secondary infections.

    Kisan Congress has targeted the state government by questioning the government’s work regarding the Lumpy virus. Pal Ambalia, chairman of the Kisan Congress cell, alleged that the government is hiding the figures of cattle deaths. Only 4 per cent of the total number of dead cattle is shown by the government, He alleged that vaccination figures are also being concealed.

    He said that the government is taking pride in the vaccination done by private institutions. The Lumpy Virus started in the month of May and the government issued a circular regarding lumpy in June. On 21st, the Congress team made a presentation to Kutch District Development Officer (DDO). At that time, he claimed vaccination of 80 thousand cattle was done by 14 doctors. Which is not possible. However, the information department of the government has shown the figure for vaccination of more than lakh animals. Which proves that the government presents false figures. He alleged that the government wakes up only when elections are held.

    “The animal husbandry department started the facility of toll-free helpline ‘1962’ for providing immediate treatment and other information about the disease. A campaign has also been launched to raise awareness about the disease. In all, 267 animal ambulance has been deployed to the affected area, today the central government also sent a team of expert to guide” said Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel.

    AHMEDABAD: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), also known as Lumpy virus, afflicting cattle has spread to 15 out of 33 districts of Gujarat and has claimed 1021 livestock in the state. According to reports, 40,222 infected cattle in 1,009 villages are under treatment.

    On Monday, Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel held a meeting with Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar. A meeting between Agriculture Minister and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will be held on Tuesday.

    Agriculture Department’s Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr HN Modh told The New Indian Express: “The virus has spread in 15 districts, including all districts of Saurashtra region, Kutch, and now Banaskantha and Patan. Checking of vehicles entering Gujarat from Rajasthan and other neighboring states have been intensified to prevent infected cattle from entering the state. People living in border villages have been asked to inform the department if they see movement of cattle across the border.”

    Till Monday afternoon, the state had lost 1,021 cattle, while 40,222 are infected and undergoing treatment in 15 districts. A total of 2,93,676 cattle have been vaccinated, he added. Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel says “LSD an infectious viral skin disease which is caused by a virus of capripox genus has spread to four out of five regions of Gujarat.”

    The disease has spread in the kutch Saurashtra zone, north Gujrat, and south Gujrat, only the central Gujrat region is unaffected till Monday. According to Government Officials, the disease which spreads through vectors like houseflies, mosquitos, ticks, etc. the viral infection leads to fever among cattle and buffaloes as well as other symptoms like excessive nasal and salivary secretion, firm and raised nodules on the skin around the head genitals, etc. The animal stops taking food and the production of milk among milch animals goes down. Pregnant cows and buffaloes often suffer miscarriage and in some cases, diseased animals die as nodules brust, and those parts can become infected by secondary infections.

    Kisan Congress has targeted the state government by questioning the government’s work regarding the Lumpy virus. Pal Ambalia, chairman of the Kisan Congress cell, alleged that the government is hiding the figures of cattle deaths. Only 4 per cent of the total number of dead cattle is shown by the government, He alleged that vaccination figures are also being concealed.

    He said that the government is taking pride in the vaccination done by private institutions. The Lumpy Virus started in the month of May and the government issued a circular regarding lumpy in June. On 21st, the Congress team made a presentation to Kutch District Development Officer (DDO). At that time, he claimed vaccination of 80 thousand cattle was done by 14 doctors. Which is not possible. However, the information department of the government has shown the figure for vaccination of more than lakh animals. Which proves that the government presents false figures. He alleged that the government wakes up only when elections are held.

    “The animal husbandry department started the facility of toll-free helpline ‘1962’ for providing immediate treatment and other information about the disease. A campaign has also been launched to raise awareness about the disease. In all, 267 animal ambulance has been deployed to the affected area, today the central government also sent a team of expert to guide” said Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel.