Lumpy skin disease epidemic in Saurashtra; 39 animals dead: Govt

What is the News?

Around 1,229 cattle across five districts of Gujarat have been infected with Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). 

What is Lumpy Skin Disease(LSD)?

Lumpy skin disease(LSD) is an infectious disease in cattle caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae also known as Neethling virus.

First Case: Lumpy skin disease was first seen as an epidemic in Zambia in 1929.

Transmission: ​​The disease is spread primarily by biting insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitoes and possibly ticks. The disease can also be spread from animal to animal. However, it does not pose a risk to human health.

Symptoms: It primarily consists of fever, fluid excretion from the eyes and nose, dribbling of saliva from the mouth and blisters on the body. The animal stops eating and faces problems while chewing or eating, resulting in reduced milk production.

Mortality Rate: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the mortality rate is less than 10%.

Economic Implications of LSD: The disease has important economic implications since affected animals tend to have permanent damage to their skin, lowering the commercial value of their hide. Additionally, the disease often results in reduced milk production, poor growth, infertility, abortion, and sometimes death.

Treatment: There is no treatment for the virus, so prevention by vaccination is the most effective means of control.

Source: The post is based on the article “Lumpy skin disease epidemic in Saurashtra; 39 animals dead: Govt” published in Down To Earth on 14th June 2022.