Lumpy Skin Disease Awareness Campaign by CSKHPAU
Palampur 23 September. CSK H.P. Agriculture University has initiated an awareness campaign on Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
On the directions of Prof H.K.Chaudhary, a committee of veterinary scientists from Dr G.C.Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences has been constituted to create awareness among livestock keepers and general masses on the various aspects of LSD. The Vice Chancellor said that there are many myths and misinformation about LSD among the livestock owners and the veterinary scientists of the University will help farmers in this difficult situation by providing expert opinion and guidance to deal with the situation.
He said that as per the experts, LSD is an infectious and highly contagious disease caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). LSD spreads through direct contact with infected animals or indirectly by fomite. Blood sucking and biting insects like flies, ticks, fleas and mosquitoes spread this disease to different locations. The disease in animals starts with fever for 2-3 days followed by development of stiff, round cutaneous nodules (2-5 cm in diameters) on skin all over the body. Animals usually recover after 2-3 weeks but there is reduction in milk production for several weeks. Only 1-5 % infected animals die from LSD. This disease mainly infects cows of both indigenous and exotic breeds (Jersey, HF) but disease also rarely infect buffaloes. He said that according to the Public Health experts, the LSD is not communicable to the in contact humans but proper protective gloves, mask, etc. should be used while handling the infected animals. Milk from the infected animals is safe for human consumption after proper boiling. It is also recommended that the infected animals should be given green, soft and nutritious feed and fodders for uncomplicated recovery.
Dr Ravindra Kumar, Coordinator of the expert committee, has advised farmers to get their healthy animals vaccinated against LSD by contacting the local veterinary officer. All the cattle and buffaloes should be vaccinated with available Goat pox vaccine (cattle and buffalo at the age of 4 months and above). Affected animals should not be vaccinated. To prevent this disease from spreading to new areas or to unaffected animals, farmers should immediately isolate the infected animals from the healthy ones and should never take them to common grazing fields and water sources. Movement of infected animals or animals with signs of fever should be completely restricted. Animals should not be taken to animal fairs or animal markets, etc. Insect population in and around the animal houses should be reduced using sprays or repellents. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected animal sheds and contaminated materials including vehicles should be done using 1% formalin or 2% phenol for 15 minutes or 2-3% Sodium hypochlorite. Disinfection of premises should be done at regular intervals.
Sick animals should be handled carefully and new cases should be reported immediately to nearby veterinary hospitals or other veterinary institutes. Dressing of the skin wounds should be done regularly with antiseptic ointments and care should be taken to prevent maggot infestation of open wounds. If the animal dies then the carcass should be disposed of by deep burial method observing all hygienic measures.
The Vice-Chancellor has directed the committee to work actively and keep in touch with livestock keepers of the state through telephonic consultancy, radio and TV talks and publishing articles in newspapers and preparing pamphlets on diverse aspects of lumpy skin disease. The committee shall be working in close liaison with the State Department of Animal Husbandry.
Source: http://hillagric.ac.in/
