More than 4,000 cattle have died in Rajasthan as a result of lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral infection that has spread to 16 districts in the state, informed officials aware of the matter.
The official informed that around 94,000 cases of the viral infection that affects livestock have been reported, which was originally detected in cattle in districts adjoining Gujarat.
They further told that the government is also planning to ban the movement of cattle from other states and asked the district to prepare a report on the current situation.
The upcoming animal fairs may be subject to restrictions or may be canceled by the authorities due to infection. According to official estimates, Rajasthan has a total cow population of around 14 million.
What causes Lumpy Skin Disease?
The viral disease is spread by blood-feeding insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitos, or ticks and through contaminated food and water. The disease causes acute fever, drainage from the eyes and nose, salivation, soft blister-like nodules all over the body, significantly decreased milk production, challenging feeding, and occasionally even death of the animal are symptoms of the disease. The mortality rate for the contagion is 1.5%.
Data from the state government shows that the majority of deaths occurred in five districts: Ganganagar (840), Barmer (830), Jodhpur (730), Jalore (580), and Bikaner (527). Jaisalmer, Pali, Sirohi, Churu, Hanumangarh, Ajmer, Nagaur, Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Udaipur have also reported cases of the virus.
Usha Sharma, Rajasthan chief secretary, stated that a budget of between Rs 8 lakh to Rs12 lakh has been given at the divisional level to the offices in Ajmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, and between Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 8 lakhs to the remaining affected districts to purchase emergency and essential medicines. She said that the affected districts had received 30 additional vehicles for the purpose of disease prevention, treatment, and efficient monitoring.
Dr. NM Singh, additional director (health), department of animal husbandry, stated that the state is focusing a strong emphasis on prevention. Owners of cattle have been instructed to confine the diseased animal. According to Singh, there is little risk to people from the disease spreading. “There is no issue in consuming milk after boiling,” he said.
