Lumpy Skin Disease: What You Need To Know

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infection affecting cattle, causing significant health and economic concerns. Here's what you need to know about its spreadness and precaution.

What is Lumpy Skin Disease?

Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral disease that frequently manifests as an epizootic in cattle. The disease is characterized by the skin's development of nodules, which may cover the entire body of the animal. Lesions are frequently detected in the mouth and upper respiratory tract, and systemic consequences include pyrexia, anorexia, dysgalactia, and pneumonia. Between breeds and strains of cattle, the disease's severity varies significantly. For several months, many cattle experience significant undernutrition and output loss. The skin infections permanently harm the hides. The disease's route of transmission is still unclear. Contact infections are rare, and the epizootiological evidence strongly points to the involvement of insect vectors.

The Spread of the Disease

According to government statistics, the lumpy skin disease that is afflicting cattle has spread to 15 states throughout the nation. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, as of September 23 the disease had already infected more than 20 lakh animals. Since July, about 75,000 cattle have passed away. According to official data, Rajasthan is the state most severely impacted, with 14 lakh livestock deaths documented.

Also, read: MPOX Disease: The Emerging Threat You Shouldn't Ignore

Is it Safe to Consume Milk?

The virus's spread has raised questions about the safety of milk intake. A senior representative of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) disagreed, claiming that lumpy is not a zoonotic virus that may spread from animals to people.

"Milk from sick livestock can be consumed without concern. Whether you drink milk that has been boiled or not, there is no difference in its quality "In a statement to the news agency PTI earlier this month, IVRI Joint Director Ashok Kumar Mohanty.

Precautions to Be Taken

Regulation of animal movement - The transportation of animals to and from the infected area and from afflicted states should be entirely prohibited in order to reduce the economic burden of the outbreaks and to control LSD. This will monitor the distribution and transmission of LSD.

Movement of humans to and from the affected region should be restricted. This also applies to people who are handling afflicted animals. It is important to warn persons who come into contact with infected livestock to follow strict hygiene and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Also, read: Nipah Virus: Symptoms, Transmission,  Diagnosis and Treatment

Cattle and buffaloes should receive the available goat pox vaccine, which contains 103.5 TCID50 of GTPV vaccine, starting at the age of 4 months and up (Uttarkashi strain). However, vaccinations shouldn't be given to afflicted animals. Additionally, preventative vaccinations should be carried out in high-risk regions, such as the state and district borders of the affected district, and animals should be identified and documented.

The public should be made aware of the disease by a widespread awareness campaign, and any suspicious cases should be immediately reported to the veterinary authority. This will aid in the management and prevention of LSD.